Enzo Raiola on Ibrahimovic’s Role at Milan
Enzo Raiola, a prominent figure in the world of football, recently shared his thoughts on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new role at AC Milan in an interview with Chiamarsi Bomber. Raiola, who is no stranger to the intricacies of football management, believes that Ibrahimovic is doing a commendable job despite the challenges the club has faced recently. Ibrahimovic, a legendary player who retired at the end of the 2022-23 season, made a surprising return to Milan in December 2023, this time not as a player but as a Senior Advisor. The exact nature of his responsibilities has been a subject of speculation, but it is clear that he wields significant influence at the club, often described as the right-hand man of Gerry Cardinale, Milan’s owner.
Ibrahimovic’s New Role: A New Chapter
Ibrahimovic’s transition from the pitch to the boardroom is a new chapter in his illustrious career. Raiola acknowledges that this is a challenging role for the Swede, but he is confident in Ibrahimovic’s abilities. "Ibrahimovic knows his stuff," Raiola said. "He was one of the greatest players of the last twenty years and he knows the world of football very well. For him, this is a new experience, he doesn’t have an easy task but he is making his way." Despite the initial uncertainties, Ibrahimovic has already secured a significant achievement—winning the first trophy of his ‘management’ era. This success, albeit in a different form, underscores his continued importance to the club.
Navigating the Challenges
Milan has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the departure and return of key players, and the club has faced "problems of various kinds." Raiola is realistic about the challenges but remains optimistic. "Then came the elimination from the Champions League, but there it is never easy, as demonstrated by the elimination of Manchester City and the difficulties encountered by many top clubs in the first phase," he noted. The club has seen a lot of turnover in players, which can be disruptive, but Raiola believes that Ibrahimovic’s experience and leadership can help navigate these challenges. "I am convinced that whatever he does, Zlatan will do it to the best of his ability, giving his all and making the most of it. Difficulties often help you grow, perhaps this moment will help him improve further."
The Future with Confidence
Despite the recent setbacks, Raiola is confident about Milan’s future. He emphasizes the importance of looking ahead with optimism. "Milan has changed many players and there have probably been problems of various kinds, but we must look to the future with confidence." Raiola’s faith in Ibrahimovic’s ability to lead the club through these changes is a vote of confidence in the Swede’s management skills. Ibrahimovic’s influence and expertise can be invaluable in guiding the club towards stability and success. The future, while uncertain, is one that Raiola believes can be shaped positively with the right leadership and vision.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: Current Status and Future Prospects
Turning to the topic of Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the club’s former players and a current star at PSG, Raiola provided some insights into Donnarumma’s future. Donnarumma, who is also the goalkeeper for the Italian national team, is highly regarded by several clubs. Raiola confirmed that PSG has initiated discussions for a contract renewal, and the club is taking a more cautious approach in line with UEFA’s financial regulations. "In light of the rules imposed by UEFA, the club is making a U-turn from a financial point of view, going from a salary of over 500 million euros to less than half," he explained. This change in policy is being accepted, and Raiola and the club are working towards finding the best solution for Donnarumma’s future.
No Rush for Donnarumma’s Future
Raiola emphasized that there is no rush to finalize Donnarumma’s future. "The club have expressed more than once its desire to continue with Donnarumma, and the same goes for him. There have been no contacts with Inter or other clubs," he stated. Raiola’s approach is one of calm and deliberate consideration, understanding that the right move for both player and club is the priority. While Donnarumma’s market value is high, and he would undoubtedly attract interest from other top clubs, Raiola is focused on the present and the future with PSG. "I believe that if the player is put on the market he will have no problem finding teams interested in him, but at the moment there are no doors open in this direction. If something were to change in the coming months, then we will make our assessments."
Conclusion
Enzo Raiola’s insights provide a balanced and realistic view of the current landscape at AC Milan and the future prospects of Gianluigi Donnarumma. His confidence in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s ability to navigate the club through its current challenges and his measured approach to Donnarumma’s future reflect a deep understanding of the game and the club’s needs. As Milan continues to evolve, the leadership of figures like Ibrahimovic and the stability provided by players like Donnarumma will be crucial in shaping a successful and sustainable future.
