Special advisor to AC Milan owner Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the players after the stunning success of teammates Théo Hernandez and Mike Maignan on Sunday evening in the Italian Super Cup against Inter.
Left behind in the league (8th), AC Milan is going through a complicated season but enjoyed a happy break by overthrowing the domestic rival on Sunday in the final of the Italian Super Cup. AC Milan won at the end of this spectacular derby its very first title since the Scudetto won in 2022. The Lombard club had Zlatan Ibrahimovic in its ranks. Since retired, the Swede has embraced a management career and now occupies a role of special advisor to AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale.
Accustomed to the light and to resounding declarations, Ibra has taken a step back and is learning to evolve in the shadows, in the background. A role that he continues to get to grips with but which he has not yet fully understood, as evidenced by the welcome given to him by the Tifosi for the club's 125th anniversary, on December 15. With little influence in decision-making, Ibrahimovic nevertheless tries to influence the club's environment through contact with the players. The title won under the nose of the great rival gave him the opportunity to give a long speech in the locker room to his men and to the newly inducted staff of the Portuguese Sergio Conceiçao.
“We have achieved one of our objectives,” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic under the gaze of the cameras present. “What we were looking for was a reaction. (Pointing to the trophy) This is our reaction guys. But before I speak, I would like to congratulate the mister (the coach) and his staff. In a few days, you You did a great job. Fortunately he had a fever, otherwise he would have broken more than a television (laughs).”
“Congratulations also to the players,” continued the Swede. “You won it with the sweat of your brow, at the cost of sacrifice and with the will to win. When a team is driven by this will to win, it is difficult to defeat them. It is difficult. When the championship started, I told you that it's all in our heads. You proved me right today. Now let's bring back that mentality and get back to where we are.”
In his long speech, Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not forget to mention all the little hands who work in the shadows to ensure the smooth running of the club. “The merit is also yours, even if you are not famous or on the field. You are no less important than those who play. We are Milan. We play for these trophies. Whoever wants to enter the history of the club must win these cups.”
