Ibrahimovic: ‘Difficult to leave playing because of ego, couldn’t refuse Milan offer.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke openly about his reasons for retirement, how he manages his ego, and his new role as an advisor at Milan. The former Sweden striker retired at the end of last season, capping off a successful 24-year playing career that included five Scudetti, four Ligue 1 crowns, a Europa League, and a Club World Cup.
Ibrahimovic did not stay away from football long, returning a few months later to work as an advisor for Milan owners RedBird, assisting with the project’s direction in the Lombardy city. In recent months, he has been looking for the ideal replacement for Stefano Pioli. Ibrahimovic opens up. Ibrahimovic began his ABTalks podcast interview with Anas Bukhash by discussing his life after retiring from football.
“I am fine, life is good, and life is treating me well. Obviously, I stopped playing football eight months ago and have a different life now. I accepted the decision to stop playing football, which was difficult for me because of my ego and how I perceive myself.
“I believe I am the best, and I still am. I could go on, but I choose to stop. Why? Because I desire a better life for my family. “I wanted to be able to do things with my sons because my condition prevented me from doing so due to issues with one of my knees. “So, I accepted it, I came to a moment where I said ‘it’s ok, let it go and start a new chapter in your life’.” The former Sweden striker then spoke about his transition to the Rossoneri backroom.
“Then, a few months later, I met Gerry Cardinale, who runs the RedBird fund that bought Milan, and he made me an offer I couldn’t turn down. “I started to work with Milan, and I’ve been with Milan three or four months, and he’s treating me good, I have to say.” Finally, Ibrahimovic remembered his former agent, Mino Raiola. “When my agent Mino Raiola died, it was a huge loss for me. I cried a lot. It’s still not finished because I have flashbacks.
“It makes me down because I miss him so badly. Everyone who knows him and me knows how close we were. If I could SMS him, what would I say? “I miss you.”