This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
January 3, 2020
AC Milan has made a surprise move by signing Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a six-month contract worth 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million). The 38-year-old striker has returned to the club he left seven years ago, with the aim of helping them lift out of a difficult situation.
"I'm not here as a mascot to dance for the fans next to the Devil (Milan mascot)," Ibrahimovic said at a press conference in Milan. "I'm looking for the last bit of adrenaline I might have. At my age, you're not looking for anything else but a challenge."
Ibrahimovic has signed a contract with the option for an additional year and will make his debut for the club in their first game after the winter break against Sampdoria on Monday.
He played for AC Milan from 2010-2012, scoring 56 goals in 85 appearances and helping the club win their 18th and last league title in 2011. The seven-times European champions are currently 11th in the table, just seven points above relegation.
AC Milan's chief football officer, Zvonimir Boban, contacted Ibrahimovic after he left Los Angeles Galaxy in October, and the calls intensified after a 5-0 loss to Atalanta last month.
"After Atalanta, I got lots and lots of calls, it wasn't a difficult decision in the end," Ibrahimovic said. "Last time I left Milan, I didn't want to leave. Milan gave me the happiness of playing soccer, I hope this will be true again."
