Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the oldest Serie A player to score a goal on Sunday as AC Milan lost 3-1 to Udinese at the Dacia Arena.
Despite Milan’s loss, Zlatan was celebrated for his achievement! The 41-year-old who had been out for close to nine months with a knee injury returned to action for Milan on February 26 against Atalanta, but his first goal since his return came on Sunday.
The former Swedish captain played the final part of last season with an ACL injury as he helped the Rossoneri win their first league title in over a decade. While facing the media on his return to the national team, the larger than life athlete when asked why he did not leave AC Milan after winning the Scudetto had this to say:
“Leaving Milan after the title would have been too easy,” he said as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“It was not an end that would have suited me. I am here to make the difference, if not I wouldn’t be here.”
The swedish all-time top scorer was also asked about his age. His response to reporters was a typical Zlatan one.
“I don’t want to talk about my age, I have a lot to show to prove to those who thought I was finished that they were wrong.
“I had three surgeries in 14 months, but there was a moment when the knee was not improving. I was in the tunnel and could not see the light at the end of it, but luckily things have improved.
“I never give up. Challenges give me adrenaline. You journalists also helped me at the beginning of my career. When I was young, you would write that I was different, egocentric and a troublemaker. You’ve helped me along the way.
Zlatan also talked about his Serie A record, but insisted he wants to be celebrated for who he is.
“I was celebrated for being the oldest goalscorer in Serie A, but I don’t want records because I am old, I want them because I am myself.
“I was having dinner with the team yesterday and told them [his teammates]: ‘You think I am dumb, what am I doing here at my age?’ But you’ll see that time flies and when you’re close to 40, you’ll be afraid of quitting football. You will almost panic, so enjoy what you have now.”
The former Manchester United is currently with the Swedish national team awaiting their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying fixtures against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
