Luka Jovic expressed his admiration of Milan veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic and reflected on his ‘unhappy experience’ with Real Madrid.
The Serbian striker joined Fiorentina on a free transfer last summer after an incredibly difficult three-year spell with Los Blancos, who paid €63m to bring him to Spain in the summer of 2019.
Jovic is now working to reinvent himself in Florence and rediscover his confidence after the difficulties with Real Madrid. This season, he’s netted 10 goals and provided two assists across 33 appearances.
Speaking to La Repubblica, Jovic first discussed his admiration of Milan veteran Ibrahimovic.
“He is my absolute idol, he has left an unforgettable mark on football and he is still the added value of Milan today. Another idol is Radamel Falcao, for his hair and style of play.”
He reflected on his difficult spell with Real Madrid and why things didn’t work out.
“From the beginning, it all went wrong. I left Eintracht Frankfurt too early, after only one season at the top.
“All the spotlight was on me, but it was difficult for a 21-year-old to fit in at the biggest club in the world. Between injuries, COVID and unfair pressure, it was an unhappy experience.”
The 21-year-old striker spoke about the more positive experience in Florence.
“Here I can grow and do well, I thank Commisso, who strongly wanted me. It’s the ideal environment to find myself in.”
Finally, Jovic spoke about Milan’s previous interest in him and what he’d like from Ibrahimovic.
“For me it would have been a source of great honour and pride to take Ibra’s place at Milan two years ago, but nothing came of it.
“Today it will be a dream to meet him, at the end of the match I would like to exchange shirts with him.”
Jovic shot to prominence in the 2018-19 season, when he scored 27 goals in 48 games across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt.