Ruud Gullit has explained why Joshua Zirkzee should have never joined Manchester United
After hanging up his boots in 2023, Zlatan Ibrahimovic quickly transitioned into an senior advisory role with AC Milan, the club he holds dear to his heart.
His vast experience and competitive spirit are being harnessed to influence key decisions at the Rossoneri. Ibrahimovic's presence is already paying off, with many, including football legend Ruud Gullit, praising his impact on the club and the broader football landscape.
In an interview with Gazzetta, legendary Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit expressed his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has taken on an advisory role with AC Milan's owners, RedBird Capital Partners.
He also spoke about Joshua Zirkzee and what he thought about his decision to play in England over staying in a league that he already understood. Serie A.
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Nothing Zlatan Ibrahimovic does is a coincidence
Gullit, a Ballon d’Or winner in 1987, highlighted the unique qualities that Ibrahimovic brings to the club and the wider football community.
“I’ve known Zlatan since he was young, and he has always been a unique player and now a unique human being. Nothing he does is a coincidence; his press conferences are never dull,” he said.
Gullit believes that Ibrahimovic’s influence extends beyond just Milan, asserting, “Football needs him. We need more people like Ibrahimovic, especially because he is competent and can recognize talent at first glance.”
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The Dutchman is optimistic about Ibrahimovic's potential to shape the club's future, stating, “I am convinced he’ll do a great job at Milan. He always wanted to win as a footballer, and I don’t think his mentality has changed.”
Joshua Zirkzee should have stayed in Serie A
Ruud Gullit expressed his disappointment over Joshua Zirkzee’s decision to join Manchester United instead of AC Milan.
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The young striker, who left Bologna for Old Trafford last summer, has faced challenges adapting to his new environment, scoring just once in nine appearances.
“Zirkzee should have joined Milan rather than Manchester United,” Gullit stated.
He emphasized that Zirkzee, familiarity with Serie A, would have benefited greatly from a couple more seasons with a top club like Milan. “It would have been ideal for his development,” he explained, noting that the current situation at Manchester United is complicated and not conducive to player growth.
Gullit reflected on Milan's interest in Zirkzee, revealing that the club was prepared to activate his €40 million release clause but ultimately could not reach an agreement regarding the agent’s commission.
“I hope Zirkzee can turn it around, even if needing some time to settle in is natural,” he added, acknowledging the difficulties players face in the high-pressure atmosphere at United.
While discussing fellow Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who chose to remain in Serie A by moving from Atalanta to Juventus, Gullit praised the decision as a significant step forward.
He remarked on Koopmeiners’ versatility and potential for growth in Italy, contrasting it with Zirkzee’s current struggles.
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Gullit also shared his thoughts on Tijjani Reijnders, a rising star at Milan, stating that he had seen signs of quality in Reijnders during his time at AZ Alkmaar. He emphasized Reijnders' development and pivotal role within both Milan and the national team.
As for Milan's title aspirations this season, Gullit is optimistic but cautious. He believes the team has the potential to compete for the title but warns against placing undue pressure on a squad that has undergone significant changes in recent years.
“Fonseca has an ambitious playing style... it takes time to pass on your ideas to the team, but I think they are on the right path now,” he concluded.