Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan as advisor
As an advisor to the management of the Serie A club, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has rejoined AC Milan, the owners RedBird Capital Partners announced on Monday.
The former Sweden striker, who won numerous trophies during his playing career in Italy, will "serve as a senior advisor to AC Milan ownership and senior management," according to a statement released by American investment firm RedBird.
The 42-year-old has also been brought on board RedBird's "sports and media and entertainment investment portfolio" as a "Operating Partner."
Ibrahimovic will be responsible for "player development and high-performance training, advancing AC Milan's global brand and commercial interests, and supporting special projects of strategic importance, including the club's new stadium," according to RedBird, describing his role at Milan.
Ibrahimovic will provide advice to RedBird portfolio companies on commercial projects, digital content strategies, and strategic brand building initiatives in addition to assisting in the sourcing and evaluation of new investment opportunities for the company.
At the end of the previous season, Ibrahimovic brought an end to his exciting playing career. Dogged by injuries, he scored just one goal for Milan.
He became the oldest goal scorer in Serie A history with that goal, which came in a 3-1 victory at Udinese in March.
With that goal in a 3-1 victory away from Udinese in March, he became the oldest goal scorer in Serie A history.
After making a comeback as an experienced forward in 2019, Ibrahimovic played a significant role in Milan's ascent to the top of the Italian football league, helping the team escape the basement and go on to win the Serie A title in 2022.
Additionally, he played a major role in the team's 11-year run for the Scudetto, which was followed by a protracted period of financial difficulties and stagnation until being revitalised under current coach Stefano Pioli.
Although Ibrahimovic won league championships in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and France during his career, his only significant European honour came from winning the 2017 Europa League with Manchester United.
He returns to Milan with the group stage of the Champions League eliminated and nine points behind Inter Milan, the leaders of Serie A.