Sandro Tonali reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic informed Milan teammates he would retire on Saturday: ‘We were not ready.’
The 41-year-old surprisingly announced his retirement on Sunday after a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona in the last Serie A game of the season.
Tonali was in tears during the Swede’s farewell speech at the Stadio Meazza and spoke to DAZN afterwards.
“We found out [about Ibra’s retirement] yesterday and it wasn’t easy to prepare mentally,” the Italy international said.
“We had to prepare for the game. I saw many people cry. I will watch these images many times. It was tough after the game, we were not ready.
“He gave me so much. Energy is the word to resume everything. With his desire to win, he would go mad for losing a game in training. This will remain forever inside everyone. He was a special player.
“I don’t think we were ready for this. He knows he leaves an important legacy. I will talk to him later on.”
Tonali hasn’t been called up by Italy’s national team for the Nations League and will join the U21 squad for the European championship in June.
“There is a slight difference but only in terms of mentality,” the midfielder admitted.
“We’ve had this idea for a few months. The senior team was the priority, but then we changed our minds, especially looking to the Olympics.”
During the game against Hellas Verona, Milan ultras demanded more investments from club owners, asking for a ‘step up in quality.’ Tonali was asked what Milan will need next season to be credible title contenders.
“All we’ve had this season,” he replied.
“Aside from January and February, we’ve always been up to the task and must always put that 1% extra. We did it and we must continue.”
The Rossoneri have now qualified for the Champions League for the third season in a row but ended 2022-23 empty-handed and were eliminated from the UCL semifinals and the Coppa Italia Round of 16.