Ibrahimović on CBS Celebrates Milan’s Legacy and Sends a Clear Message
Zlatan Ibrahimović gave an extensive interview to CBS, covering a range of topics related to AC Milan’s present and future. The Swedish champion, now serving as RedBird’s senior advisor, showed a deep understanding of what the Rossoneri club represents in world football history.
The most powerful quote from the interview is a tribute to Milan’s greatness: “Milan have won seven Champions Leagues, 19 league titles, our players’ Ballon d’Or awards, all the Intercontinental Cups we’ve won. The fans are used to this, and if you don’t give it to them, you’re not giving them Milan.”
These words read like a mission statement. Ibrahimović knows well that Milan’s fanbase has grown up with a winning tradition that is unmatched in Italian football and among the most prestigious in Europe. Restoring the real Milan — a team that competes for every trophy — is the declared objective.
Lessons from Last Season and the Choice of Allegri
The Swede does not hide the fact that the 2024-2025 season, which ended with a disappointing eighth-place finish and considerable disarray, left its mark. However, the club responded decisively: in the summer, they appointed Massimiliano Allegri, a manager with proven experience and deep knowledge of Serie A.
On Allegri, Ibrahimović spoke with great admiration: “I had him as my coach. He’s very good at building relationships with players and is managing the group perfectly. He already won trophies with Milan and was excellent even when he coached me — it wasn’t easy, given there were strong personalities like Seedorf and Cassano.”
The Italian tactician, according to Ibrahimović, is instilling the right mentality in the dressing room. The concept is simple but powerful: “Being at Milan is not for everyone.” This applies to players, managers, and executives alike. Not everyone can wear the Rossoneri shirt, and this awareness must permeate every level of the club.
Squad Quality: Top-Level Players Are Essential
A crucial part of the interview concerns the quality of the squad. Ibrahimović highlighted Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot as examples of top-tier players — signings that have raised the bar. The French goalkeeper has become a cornerstone between the posts, while the midfielder, formerly of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, has brought experience and character to the engine room.
The Swede’s message was unequivocal: future signings, whether in the summer or beyond, must be of the same calibre. “Not ten levels below, otherwise you won’t win again”, Ibrahimović stressed. A clear reference to the approach taken by clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain — teams that have invested in players ready to compete at the highest level in the Champions League.
Milan’s Future and Youth Development
An important chapter of the interview focused on the club’s youth development philosophy. Ibrahimović explained how Milan are changing their approach compared to traditional Italian football culture: “In Italian culture, everyone is focused on results. Coaches want to win immediately, so they play a ready-made player, taking opportunities away from those with potential.”
At Milan, according to the senior advisor, the aim is to give young players game time. If a youngster does not find space in the first team, he can play with the Primavera squad; if the first-team pace is too demanding, he is guided through a gradual development path. A forward-thinking approach designed to nurture homegrown talent alongside established stars.
His Idol Van Basten and the Pressure at Ajax
Ibrahimović closed with a personal memory, speaking about his first idol: Marco Van Basten. “The funny thing is that when I went to Ajax, many compared me to him. The pressure was already high”, the Swede recalled with a smile. A bond between Ibrahimović and Van Basten that inevitably runs through AC Milan and its legendary history.
Ibrahimović’s words confirm a clear direction: Milan want to become protagonists again in Italy and Europe, through targeted investments, a winning manager in Allegri, and the development of young talent. The path is set, and Rossoneri fans can look to the future with renewed optimism.
