Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made it crystal clear that he did not rejoin AC Milan to be a mascot, says he “never lost his passion” for the club.
The Swedish striker returned to the club on a six month deal with the option of another season if he can prove there’s enough left in his tank at the age of 38.
The former Barcelona man scored 42 goals in 61 league games in his previous stint at the club from 2010 to 2012.
“I know what I have to do. Zlatan is still here,” he said on Friday.
After leaving Major League Soccer LA Galaxy, he revealed that he has “more offers at 38 than when I was 20”.
“I’ve been looking for one final rush of adrenaline to give it my all,” he said as he marked his return to the Rossoneri.
“I received even more calls after the game against Atalanta [which Milan lost 5-0].
“I didn’t come here to be a Rossoneri mascot. I’ve never lost my passion.”
AC Milan languishes at 11th on the league with just 21 points from 17 games.
They are yet to win any silverware since they last won their 18th league title in 2011.
Ibrahimovic added that a “corporate decision” led to his departure from the club in 2012.
“The last time I left, it was without my approval but the situation was what it was,” Ibrahimovic added.
“What’s important is that I’m here and I want to improve things as much as possible.”
AC Milan next plays a difficult game against Sampdoria with most fans tipping the latter. That underlines just how far from good graces the Rossoneris have fallen.