Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at the age of 41, has just recovered from serious knee surgery and he’s finally able to make an impact on the pitch. And this might not be his last season, as was first thought.
The striker played from start in Milan’s last game against Udinese and although he made history by becoming the oldest goalscorer in Serie A, it wasn’t a good night for the Rossoneri (3-1 loss). His contribution, as such, wasn’t enough.
For months now it’s been reported that this is probably Ibrahimovic’s last season, but that narrative has changed a little in the last few weeks. As highlighted by MilanNews, it’s possible that he won’t retire at the end of the season.
“When everyone says it’s enough, that doesn’t work. That’s when I get an adrenaline rush. I just want to keep going. After winning the Scudetto with Milan I could have quit, but it would have been too easy. Nor was it a conclusion that suited me,” Ibrahimovic recently stated.
At the end of the season, Ibrahimovic will sit down with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara to discuss the future. If he wants to continue, then the renewal is a possibility. Right now, however, he must focus on the remainder of the season.
Love Ibra, but if he is going to ask for anything above 1m per for a year I would say thanks, but no thanks. I feel like at this point his contribution is mainly off the pitch.
If he’s recovered and can maintain his karate and taekwondo style it could be something to renew for.
I see him in a player-coach role. His presence around the team is worth keeping him on board. While his on field contributions may not be as much as last year’s, the team needs veteran leadership. I like the idea of keeping him and Giroud around.
He brings in more money with shirt sales than his salary is.