By Safiu Kehinde
Amid speculations around PSG star Kylan Mbappe’s future at the club, AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed his response when he was consulted by the young Frenchman.
Speaking at an interview with L’Equipe, Ibrahimovic believed it is high time Mbappe left PSG in order to develop as a player.
The 40-year-old admitted his likely reluctance to let go of Mbappe if he were to be PSG’s manager, though the decision, according to him, is left to the youngster.
“It depends on what he wants and what he thinks. I would have gone to Real Madrid, but if I were a PSG manager I would try to keep him. Only he will decide,” he said.
However, the former PSG man revealed the advice he gave the youngster.
“Mbappé asked me and I said, ‘If I were you, I would go to Real’. I played in different countries and that’s how I developed. If you always stay in your own backyard it’s easier. If you go to other people’s, it’s an adventure,” Ibrahimovic revealed.
Meanwhile, prior to the question on Mbappe’s future, Ibrahimovic spoke about his AC Milan career. He appeared not to be ready for retirement despite his age.
“Normally, when you’re 40 years old, you’re at home, you light up a cigar and think back with satisfaction on the career you’ve had. But I’m not ready to smoke a cigar yet,” he said.
According to Football Italia, the 40-year-old Swedish forward’s contract expires with Milan at the end of this season but a one-year renewal is set to be signed, keeping him in Stefano Pioli’s squad for a little while longer. The veteran player has been a key figure in the dressing room, being a strong reference point for the many young players in the first team.
Also reminiscing on his time at PSG, the Swedish lauded the competitiveness of Ligue 1 while condemning the perception of most people who consider the league as farmer’s league.
“It’s not easy to play in Ligue 1, it’s not a lesser league as people say. France has great talents who have a great hunger for success, as well as being physically very strong. The French are known for their arrogance and they accused me of being arrogant,” Ibrahimovic said.
