Details of a confrontation between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivan Gazidis have been reported ahead of Milan’s first game back as the season is set to restart.
The 38-year-old re-joined us in January, signing a deal which runs until the end of the season with an option to extend his stay for another 12 months.
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Having scored four goals and provided an assist in 10 appearances so far, it would seemingly make sense for Ibrahimovic to get the nod to return next season, as aside from his influence and impact in the final third, his experience and leadership in a young team has also made an important difference.
However, based on the reports emanating from Milanello on Wednesday, it doesn’t sound as though the option on his deal is likely to be exercised.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic is understood to have clashed with Gazidis on various points, while also telling him: “It is no longer my Milan, there is no project, if I am here it is only out of passion.”
Further, it’s reported that the Swede expressed his frustration and disappointment over Zvonimir Boban’s exit and it’s suggested that he could be heading for an exit this summer given the opposing direction in which Gazidis wants to go in with regards to focusing on young players.
If accurate, it’s a disappointing development but it’s another example of the need for leadership and a strong voice in the dressing room to speak up and hold the management accountable for the decisions that they make.
While the players ultimately don’t have a say in such matters, Ibrahimovic’s strong personality has come to the fore and he’s reportedly called Gazidis out, but time will tell if that’s ahead of a departure this summer as the impression from the report above is that it will take a significant turnaround for our talismanic frontman to stay on for another year.
Confronto piuttosto acceso tra #Gazidis e #Ibrahimovic oggi a Milanello, alla fine i due si sono chiariti, con l'AD che ha spiegato i progetti della società e investimenti a tutto il gruppo, e dato ok alla riduzione degli stipendi. Chiesto massimo impegno per la Coppa Italia.
— Antonio Vitiello (@AntoVitiello) June 10, 2020