Ahead of the clash between AC Milan and Monza in the Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi, honouring the former president’s memory, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the media on the San Siro pitch. Standing next to Alessandro Nesta, he shared a few words on him as well.
Milan will play their final friendly clash of the pre-season this evening and Paulo Fonseca has gone with a rather deputy-based starting XI. It’s certainly not as star-studded as some reports claimed earlier today, which makes sense given that the season starts in four days.
Speaking to Mediaset, as cited by MilanNews, Ibrahimovic shared his thoughts on Berlusconi and why he was so important. During the interview, he was standing next to the former Milan defender and current Monza coach Nesta, so he was asked about him as well.
What kind of person was President Berlusconi?
“When he brought me to Milan, I was happy again. I will always be grateful for this. We are all here for him. Without him, Milan would not be what it is today. We are very grateful, he will always be in our memory.”
Meeting Nesta as an opponent…
“I wish him the best, he was one of the best players of all time. I would like to have someone like him today. I am sure he will do well, I am happy that he is at Monza: he is in good hands and will be successful. But he cannot win against us (laughs).”
What did you say to Morata the first time you saw him?
“The first thing I said to him was: ‘Welcome to Milan’”.
What is Milan’s goal?
“As always, trophies, trophies and trophies.”
It remains to be seen which team will come out on top, but tonight’s game is certainly not about rivalry but rather friendship.