Ante Rebic was just “waiting for the opportunity to prove myself” at Milan and explains the importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but cannot say what the future holds.
His two-season loan in exchange for Andre Silva to Eintracht Frankfurt seemed destined to be cut short in January, as he had only a handful of substitute appearances.
However, since coach Stefano Pioli took over and transformed their tactics, along with the arrival of Ibrahimovic, the Croatia international has gone from strength to strength thanks to seven goals in all competition.
Ante Rebic was just “waiting for the opportunity to prove myself” at Milan and explains the importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but cannot say what the future holds.
His two-season loan in exchange for Andre Silva to Eintracht Frankfurt seemed destined to be cut short in January, as he had only a handful of substitute appearances.
However, since coach Stefano Pioli took over and transformed their tactics, along with the arrival of Ibrahimovic, the Croatia international has gone from strength to strength thanks to seven goals in all competition.
“I finally had the chance to play a few games in a row and was able to show what I can do. I made the most of that moment,” Rebic told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I expected this form, because I played the last three seasons practically without interruption and did very well. I was just waiting for my opportunity to prove myself at Milan and my brace against Udinese was the big chance I needed.”
Despite the change in performances and results, coach Pioli is still up for debate and likely to be replaced next season.
“It’s not up to me,” replied Rebic. “To be honest, I always believed in myself. Pioli gave me the opportunity to play a few games in a row and I tried to make the most of it.
“We dropped too many points at the start of the season, but I think this team has the quality to aim high, because we’ve seen that we can fight it out with any opponent. It all depends on us.”
Ibrahimovic’s future is also up for debate, as his contract runs out at the end of this season, while Rebic is on a two-year loan without option to buy.
“It’s premature to talk about the future now, as what’s happening around us shows you can’t make predictions in life. We’ll have to wait and see,” added Rebic.
“Ibrahimovic is a very important player for us and certainly one of the most important figures in the history of Italian football. His character and presence in the dressing room really help the team. He has so much quality, but it’s also his indications that help us improve our performances.”