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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken out following his return from injury for the defending Serie A champions Milan.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is closing in on a return to football after nine months on the sidelines following an ACL surgery.
Having helped AC Milan to a Scudetto triumph in 2021-22 the Swedish striker underwent surgery to repair his knee and it was initially feared that he could be forced into retirement.
However, the 41-year-old vowed that he would return to the pitch and is now close to fulfilling that promise following his return to full training with the Milan squad this week.
As usual, Ibrahimovic remains confident in his abilities and is determined to help Milan bounce back from their disappointing start to the season as Scudetto winners.
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"I'm still God, I'm still number one”
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Ahead of his return to the pitch for the Serie A champions, the controversial Swede had some strong words to rivals.
"I'm still God, I'm still number one. Now let's change the music when I get back. I really want to do many things, after what I have lost in these months. I wasted time.
"I’m fine, I’m very fine! I’ve returned to the group and I feel free, free on and off the pitch. It means I’m fine.
“In this period I’ve done everything to help the coach, staff and club from outside. I was patient because I had to come back at the top, the recovery is going according to plan." he was quoted to have told Sport Mediaset.
When he was further asked about Milan's poor run of form, Ibrahimovic added: "I'm not worried, these are normal moments within a championship. Now we need to talk little and demonstrate our value on the pitch."
Ibrahimovic heaps praises on Rafa Leao amid contract debacle
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The 41-year-old striker also discussed his Milan team-mate Rafael Leao, whose future at the club has been the subject of much speculation as he approaches the final year of his contract.
The veteran striker has urged Leao to block out the outside noise and focus on his daily duties at San Siro while talk of a potential summer transfer continues to rage.
"He had a fantastic year, he won the best player in the league award. Then the contract, other clubs looking for you, the World Cup and all the rest," said Ibrahimovic.
“But he has to stay focused and play football. Everything the rest is resolved, he just has to think about playing.
“He has become stronger than a year ago, only this year everyone knows who Leao is, last year instead they were less focused on him.
“ Now however, they know that he is the strongest of all and they are more careful of him."
Ibrahimovic is expected to return to the squad for Milan in their next Serie A match when they host Torino on Friday, February 10 at the San Siro.
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