Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could yet return to AC Milan in an all-new partnership that would see the 42-year-old act as a club ambassador and member of head coach Stefano Pioli’s backroom staff. 

The Sweden international called time on his decorated career with the Rossoneri in 2023, a season after his return helped them seal the Scudetto in his second stint at the San Siro in Milan’s colours. 

Upon retiring, Ibrahimovich noted that he ‘will be a Milanista (his) entire life’ as he thanked the fans – and could yet make good on that promise with a new unofficial role. 

Ibrahimovic met with Gerry Cardinale, RedBird’s Chief Investment Officer, on Monday at a hotel on Corso Venezia that the founder uses as his base when in Milan, and spent around two hours discussing how a partnership might work. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic left AC Milan in heroic fashion at the end of last season but could yet return in a hybrid capacity at the San Siro

Zlatan Ibrahimovic left AC Milan in heroic fashion at the end of last season but could yet return in a hybrid capacity at the San Siro

Zlatan Ibrahimovic left AC Milan in heroic fashion at the end of last season but could yet return in a hybrid capacity at the San Siro

The 42-year-old has been engaging in talks with RedBird Capital owner Gerry Cardinale over an ambassadorial position

The 42-year-old has been engaging in talks with RedBird Capital owner Gerry Cardinale over an ambassadorial position

The 42-year-old has been engaging in talks with RedBird Capital owner Gerry Cardinale over an ambassadorial position

Milan have a shaky hold on third place in the Serie A table following a shock loss to Udinese

Milan have a shaky hold on third place in the Serie A table following a shock loss to Udinese

Milan have a shaky hold on third place in the Serie A table following a shock loss to Udinese

The ex-striker previously visited Milanello on the eve of Milan’s Champions League clash with Newcastle following defeat in the Milanese derby, and there is a growing sense that his leadership will prove a useful tool for Pioli. 

Since his departure, the locker room has all but collapsed – in losing Ibrahimovic, the player’s have lost a spiritual guide, a charismatic leader, and a team-mate caable of uniting rather than dividing the team in difficult moments. Pioli himself has lost not just a player, but a technical collaborator. 

During his later spell at Milan, Ibrahimovic was keen to use his 24-year playing career to the advantage of his team-mates, and worked hard to help develop younger players, including captain Davide Calabria. 

Rafael Leao in particularly is a young talent that has faltered without the guidance of the older man – but he’s by no means the only one who has struggled since the talismanic figure left the club at the end of last season. 

In building the partnership, RedBird are thought to be keen to harness not only Ibrahimovic’s Milan nous, but his personal brand, with the former player keen to work with Cardinale in ventures in other sports and entertainment more widely. 

The former player has a close bond with Stefano Pioli as well as shared tactical understanding

Ibrahimovic attended Milan's Champions League match-up against Newcastle after a visit to Milanello on the eve of the tie

Ibrahimovic attended Milan's Champions League match-up against Newcastle after a visit to Milanello on the eve of the tie

Ibrahimovic attended Milan’s Champions League match-up against Newcastle after a visit to Milanello on the eve of the tie

Rafael Leao benefitted from Ibrahimovic's guidance and has looked less steady without the older man

Rafael Leao benefitted from Ibrahimovic's guidance and has looked less steady without the older man

Rafael Leao benefitted from Ibrahimovic’s guidance and has looked less steady without the older man

Ibrahimovic could find himself emulating US stars such as LeBron James – himself a passive investor in Milan through his Main Street Advisors fund – and the strength of Ibrahimovic’s name recognition in America, which stems from his time playing for LA Galaxy, could add further lustre to a potential collaboration. 

RedBird’s plan is thought to be ambitious, with an eye on forming similar partnerships with big-name sports personalities who can act as global ambassadors across different sectors with a view to growing the company. 

But Ibrahimovic is keen not to be siloed into a figurehead role, instead wanting to take a particularly hands-on stance in Milan.  

Talks remain ongoing, but Cardinale has received support from Milan directly, with Ibrahimovic previously meeting with president Paolo Scaroni, and chief executive Giorgio Furlani.   

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Gary Keown Writes: This Rangers Team Isn’t Prepared for Europe, and Russell Martin Faces His Own “Artmedia” Crisis

For years, that iconic badge has been emblazoned proudly on the wall…

Fans Notice Marcus Rashford’s Stunning Transformation at Barcelona Reveal Compared to ‘Unrefined’ Aston Villa Images

Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he was introduced as a Barcelona…

Paul Gascoigne Gives Friends an Update from Hospital After the England Legend is Hospitalized in Intensive Care

Ex-England star Paul Gascoigne has reportedly provided an update from hospital to…

Under Armour Unveils Stunning Magnetico Elite 5 Boots

Under Armour has just launched the Magnetico Elite 5, catching everyone’s eye…

Liverpool’s Transfer Q&A: How Can They Finance Alexander Isak? Will His Move Happen After Requesting Newcastle Exit? Do The Reds Need Sales to Fund Purchases?

Liverpool are readying an official approach to Newcastle after Alexander Isak told…

Alexander Isak informs Newcastle of his desire to leave, as Liverpool prepares to break British transfer record

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away…

Celtic Primed for Strong Title Defence Following Dominant Win Over Newcastle

Celtic are now crunching through the gears so quickly that their defence…

Patrick Bamford anticipated his departure from Leeds, yet leaving Elland Road will be painful for a player who felt at home there, AADAM PATEL reports.

Deep down, Patrick Bamford perhaps sensed that the writing was on the…

Cole Palmer Embraces His Caribbean Heritage During Heartwarming Visit to St. Kitts

After an impressive display in the Club World Cup final, where he…

Exposed: The Shocking Event That Led an AFL Umpire to a Tragic Decision

About five years after retiring from AFL umpiring, Troy Pannell’s life began…