Ibrahimovic proud to silence critics

AC Milan's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic pauses following a thigh muscle strain during the Italian serie A football match Napoli vs AC Milan on November 22, 2020 at the San Paolo stadium in Naples. (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP)
AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic pauses following a thigh muscle strain during the Italian serie A football match Napoli vs AC Milan on November 22, 2020 at the San Paolo stadium in Naples. (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP)

AC Milan attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he has proved his critics wrong and silenced his doubters following his sparkling performances for the Rossoneri.

The legendary Swede’s comments come on the heels of his contract renewal with the Milanese club.  

Since rejoining Milan from MLS club, LA Galaxy in December 2019, Ibrahimovic has scored 15 goals in 17 Serie A matches and 17 across all competitions this term.

The 39-year-old – now contracted to the Rossoneri until the end of 2021-22 has however suffered injuries during his latest spell at the club and having notched up 28 goals in 45 appearances in his second spell with Milan, he believes things can only get better.  

“I think it will be positive. Even if someone had doubts before I arrived,” Ibrahimovic told MilanTV. “I have shown that age doesn’t matter.  

“It’s all about mentality. I always want to improve and do the best I can.  “I just want to feel good physically and be able to do the things I know how to do.”  

Ibrahimovic, who won the 2011 Scudetto during his first spell with Milan, has helped the Italian giants up to second position this season – 10 points adrift of city rivals and leaders Inter, though they are only a point clear of Atalanta and Juventus in the face for the UEFA Champions League places.  

“I try to help everyone, it’s a motivation,” former Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star Ibrahimovic said.  “It gives me adrenaline to see these young people and their growth, from the first day I arrived until today, I have seen growth from each of them.  

“All are willing to do their best, then in my opinion they understood the sacrifice that must be made to be where we are today.”