To talk about the positive moment of the Rossoneri, Ibra‘s recent milestone, the strength of the team, and finally the work of coach Stefano Pioli as well as Maldini, Cristian Zaccardo, World Cup winner, spoke to Milannews.it. Here are his statements:
On Ibrahimovic scoring 500 goals. The Swede attacker scored more in his career after the age of 30 than before…
“It can be explained by saying that he is fine on a physical level. After the age of 30 you reach another level of maturity at the head level that allows you to do things consciously, whereas before you were guided by instinct. From the age of 30 onwards, if the body holds up, you feel stronger. I too felt stronger, the last year I did in Carpi I felt very very well. When you are over 30 and your body holds up, that’s the time when you feel better, but unfortunately, due to age, you don’t know how much your body can hold up. In the case of Zlatan, however, we see the physical level of his to be very strong. He is perfect.”
Is this the best version of Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
“With his arrival to AC Milan, he brought with him experience and his big personality. The right balance was created between Maldini, Massara, mister Pioli, and the team. In clubs, it is difficult to create this cohesion, to date Milan is a close-knit team in all sectors. I watch the Rossoneri with interest, so I am happy that Milan are getting back up. The team will fight until the end, it won’t be easy, but we are all proud of the season they have been doing so far.”
Did you expect these results of Milan from such a young squad?
“It is a difficult year. Playing at the San Siro stadium is never easy for the young and even old players. Davide Calabria is probably having his best season in the Rossoneri. Calhanoglu has always shown great qualities and is now continuous in all games, Kessie has grown a lot as well as other players. All positive things, all things that affect the season. It is therefore no coincidence that Milan is there to compete with famous teams such as Inter and Juventus.”
In your opinion, is there an irreplaceable player in this team or is it ungenerous to reduce everything to the individual?
“Irreplaceable is a word that doesn’t find much place in today’s football. Nobody is indispensable, everyone is useful. I would not like to mention just one name because in this Milan there is a backbone you can always count on, which is supported by young people of perspective and value who thus fit in in the best way.”
Thoughts on Leao?
“Leao has grown a lot, it is a beautiful sign. He is courageous on the field. If he continues this way, he’ll become top class. He also has Ibra at his side, he can learn a lot from him, especially on the mental plan. But I repeat, he has age on his side, he can get there.”
Impressions on Tomori?
“I liked watching him play. He is really fast. But we can’t judge a player after just a few games. A player judges himself after a while, but at first glance he gave me positive feelings. It is not easy to find a centre-back with pace so I understand why his value is so high. He is good.”
Thoughts on Paolo Maldini’s work so far since he joined the club?
“Paolo is the front image of Milan. He understands a lot about football, he’s a charismatic, serious, and a professional person who cares a lot about the club. Elliott did well to appoint him with Frederic Massara: together, they are doing amazing. We hope that this team can return to the Champions League soon and start a new story.”