ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has kept fresh during AC Milan’s break in play with a friendly outing for Hammarby – even scoring a goal for former club Malmo’s bitter rivals.
The Swedish team are part-owned by the striker, 38, much to the chagrin of those who watched him make his professional debut back in 1999.
Ibrahimovic has been training with Hammarby during the pandemicCredit: AFP or licensors
While training with Hammarby during the coronavirus lockdown across Europe – although restrictions in Sweden are noticeably more lax – Ibrahimovic decided to appear in a practice match on Friday.
Having promised “magic” before the game, he bagged in the empty Tele2 Arena.
Set free for a one-on-one, the veteran steered clear of the last defender and slotted home into the far-corner.
The match was part of a three-team intra-squad tournament among Hammarby’s players described by boss Jesper Jansson as “a fun thing and a challenge”.
Jansson also remarked beforehand that Ibrahimovic looked “really impressive” in training.
And yet, the Milan star’s ‘Green’ team ultimately lost 2-1 to their opponents before a second game ended 2-0 to Ibrahimovic’s men.
I have a contract with Milan and we’ll see how it ends there, if it ends. I want to play football for as long as possible.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
His goal will no doubt serve as the latest moment of ire for fans of former side Malmo, who reacted furiously to Ibrahimovic buying a 23.5 per cent stake in their rivals and vandalised his statue at their ground.
Swedish football is shut down like their continental neighbours but plan to recommence on June 14 – allowing fans into stadiums in the process.
Ibrahimovic will return to Italy when Serie A nears a return and May 4 has been tentatively set as a date to return to training.
This week, clubs unanimously committed to putting their best efforts into seeing out the 2019/20 campaign, which is rumoured to be the former Barcelona striker’s last.
He told reporters after the Hammarby outing: “I have a contract with Milan and we’ll see how it ends there, if it ends.
“I said that I want to play football for as long as possible, I am a person who wants to be able to contribute something.
“We will see what happens.”
Malmo fans try to burn statue of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he buys shares in rival club Hammarby
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
