Ibrahimovic renewal at Milan all about his ‘mood and desire’

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Milan are planning to initiate talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic about a new deal to stay at the club beyond this summer, but sporting director Ricky Massara says it is all about the Swede’s “mood and desire” as to whether he will sign on the dotted line.

Ibrahimovic is currently enjoying a career renaissance at the San Siro, having rejoined Milan in December of 2019 after a period in MLS with LA Galaxy.

The move to the United States was seen as Ibrahimovic winding down his long career, but the return to Europe displayed a passion to still play at the top level.

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He is currently 39-years-old, and should he decide to sign a new deal with Milan, he will turn 40 during the 2021/22 campaign.

Will he sign a new deal? Talks are yet to commence but Milan plan on sitting down with Ibrahimovic soon.

“We haven’t started talking about this yet. We’ll do it at the right moment, it will depend on his mood, his desire,” Milan sporting director Ricky Massara said on Sunday.

“He has shown that he wants Milan so much, I think Milan is giving him a lot too. We hope he will have this desire for a long time to come.”

The former PSG, Man Utd, Inter, and Barcelona star has been in supreme form this season despite his advancing years.

In six Serie A appearances so far this campaign, he has scored a remarkable 10 goals, and could have added to his tally if not for a spell on the sidelines due to a positive coronavirus test.

His talismanic performances are one of the reasons the Rossoneri are enjoying one of their best starts to a new season in years, as they are currently riding high at the top of Serie A, five points clear of their nearest rivals, Inter.

They are unbeaten in their opening 10 games, winning eight and drawing two.