ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has rejoined AC Milan after eight years away from the club.
The Swedish legend, 38, flew into Italy for his medical earlier on Thursday ahead of signing a new deal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is baack at AC Milan for a second spell – and will wear the No21 shirtCredit: AP:Associated Press
The striker was seen signing a contract sat next to club legend and technical director Paolo Maldini and CEO Ivan GazidisCredit: AC Milan
The former Manchester United striker had been a free agent after his contract with the LA Galaxy expired.
After undergoing a medical, Zlatan was pictured with senior members of the AC Milan set up, including Paolo Maldini and Ivan Gazidis.
The striker, who scored 56 goals in 85 matches and won Serie A in 2011 with Milan, was also pictured holding up the home kit.
It was revealed that the veteran striker will wear the No21 shirt for the rest of the season.
AC Milan snapped him up for a second stint at the San Siro giants – having previously been at the club between 2010 and 2012 – needing all the help they can get amidst their horror season.
The club are already on their third manager in the last 12 months, sitting 11th in Serie A – a staggering 21 points behind rivals Inter atop the table.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic landed in Milan ahead of his medical on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
Eager fans swarmed Ibrahimovic’s car as he made his way to his medicalCredit: EPA
Ibrahimovic has signed for AC Milan on a free after his deal at LA Galaxy expiredCredit: Alamy Live News
Ibrahimovic arrived at Milan’s Linate Airport in a private jetCredit: AFP
Ibrahimovic, never short of self-confidence, was earlier spotted landing at Milan’s Linate Airport to undergo his medical.
Ibra took a private jet to the Italian city and was then met at the club by a hoard of fans eager to catch a glimpse of him at Milan’s training ground.
At one stage, Zlatan’s car was held up for several minutes as supporters blocked the road, chanting his name all the while.
“WARRIOR, LEADER”
And it’s not just the fans excited to have Ibrahimovic on board, current boss Stefano Pioli is thrilled to be working with the veteran superstar.
Pioli said: “Ibra is a warrior, a leader, a charismatic player who has a great sense of responsibility and a great desire to win.
“He’ll stimulate the whole team, his contribution will be crucial.
“Being the youngest team in the league, we’ve encountered some limitations in terms of a competitive streak.
“Ibra is the kind of player, person and leader who can help us fill that void. I thank the club. Gazidis, Maldini, Boban and Massara worked a lot during the holidays.
Ibrahimovic was blocked in his car for several minutes as fans swarmed the streetCredit: Reuters
Ibra scored 56 in 86 games for Milan and won Serie A in 2011Credit: Reuters
“He can do it all, he knows how set up his team-mates, he knows how to occupy the box well and he’ll know how to be the reference point in our attack.
“I spoke to him on the phone, he’s very fired up and he can’t wait to train with us, just like I can’t wait to coach him.”
During his last spell at AC Milan, Ibrahimovic scored 42 goals in just 61 Serie A games, winning the league title in 2010-11, to boot.
AC Milan announce return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on free transfer after months of speculation
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
