Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s role at AC Milan continues to be riddled with confusion, especially since Igli Tare’s arrival, and it seems the Swede misinterpreted it himself at one point.
Ever since Ibrahimovic was appointed as a ‘Consultant to the AC Milan ownership’ by RedBird in December 2023, the main question has been about what his role entails. The Swede himself has never been able to answer that question without cracking jokes.
Last season, the confusion reached its peak as Ibrahimovic played a part in some major decisions and also spoke to the media a lot. He became the face of Milan, something which CEO Giorgio Furlani didn’t appreciate and ‘remedied’ during a trip to New York.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport earlier today, Ibrahimovic’s actions didn’t just frustrate the CEO, but also the ownership (i.e. RedBird). Indeed, there was a moment when the Swede presented himself as the frontman of the club on all fronts.
As the report describes it, ‘he was like parsley, everywhere’. It’s something that RedBird and Gerry Cardinale didn’t appreciate as they believe he shouldn’t be a reference point for the media. He works on another level, as a consultant for RedBird, and not as a PR manager for the club.
So, while Igli Tare is making phone calls, negotiating deals and talking with Max Allegri ‘ten times a day’, Ibrahimovic is currently enjoying vacation. As it should be, with Milan now making it clear that the Swede shouldn’t be too involved in the operational side.