Ibrahimovic returns to Milan ahead of Champions League opener

Italy Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has just announced his retirement, made a surprise appearance at Milan's training session ahead of their Champions League Group F opener against Newcastle.

After the 1-5 loss to Inter in the fourth round of Serie A, Ibrahimovic appeared at Milan's training session on the morning of September 18. The 41-year-old former striker wore black and white shoes, talking to coach Stefano Pioli and assistant Giacomo Murelli while the team was warming up.

Ibrahimovic (in black) talks with coach Pioli while watching Milan players warm up before training at Milanello on the morning of September 18, Rome time. Photo: Instant Foot — Ibrahimovic (in black) talks with coach Pioli while watching Milan players warm up before training at Milanello on the morning of September 18, Rome time. Photo: *Instant Foot*

Ibrahimovic played for Milan for two periods, 2011-2012 and 2020-2023, scoring 93 goals in 163 matches, winning two Serie A titles, one Italian Super Cup and just announced his retirement in June 2023. According to Football Italy , despite being an extremely important and influential figure in the Milan dressing room, the Swedish star is not currently part of Stefano Pioli's coaching staff.

On the afternoon of September 18, at a press conference before the match against Newcastle, Pioli revealed that Ibrahimovic was scheduled to meet with Milan players from September 15, before the derby match with Inter, but his schedule was conflicted. According to the Italian coach, Ibrahimovic spoke to the whole team, creating a positive atmosphere, and the two will continue to meet at dinner.

Ibrahimovic appeared in AC Milan's training session on September 18 — Ibrahimovic appeared at AC Milan's training session on September 18.

Last season, in Serie A, the Italian Super Cup and the Champions League semi-finals, Milan lost four consecutive derbies, conceding seven goals and scoring none. In the Serie A rematch on September 16, Pioli's team suffered an even heavier defeat.

For the first time in 49 years, when they also lost 1-5 in a Milan derby in Serie A on March 24, 1974, Milan fell to Inter with the same score, also in the top flight of Italian football. The latest defeat means that for the first time in their nearly 124-year history, Milan have lost five consecutive derbies to Inter in all competitions.

Main developments of the match Inter 5-1 Milan on September 16.

"We needed to change. But to be honest, it wasn't easy," Pioli added of the heavy defeat to Inter. "We had a lot of expectations for that derby, and then we were disappointed. But now the Champions League is here, which is a blessing. It was important to start well. I've been through a lot, from good moments to bad. The derby defeat weighed heavily on my shoulders and I would have done anything to change the result."

Milan have been drawn in the Champions League's death-defying Group F alongside PSG, Dortmund and Newcastle. Asked whether Milan can improve on last season's semi-final, Pioli replied: "That means reaching the final, and we have to take it step by step. The first objective is to get out of the group stage. It's a balanced group, with PSG being slightly favourites."

Sandro Tonali will be reunited with his former club Milan at San Siro today, just weeks after moving to Newcastle for a total fee of £60 million. Pioli said he would hug Tonali both before and after the match, and wished his former player good luck.

Hong Duy

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