What Is The Latest on Zlatan Ibrahimović?

Whether you’re an online casino punter, a real fan, or a casual viewer, most people who follow European football know Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his talent and competitiveness. Zlatan has had a glorious career for his country and club, frequently unsettling defenders and scoring goals. The 39-year-old striker made his debut in the Swedish national team in 2001, and he booked a spot for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, although he didn’t play.

Zlatan is still making more records in European soccer, currently playing for AC Milan in Serie A. Here’s the latest on Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Zlatan Reaches the 500-goal Milestone

While playing against Crotone last Sunday, Zlatan smashed the 500-goal landmark for his club career with a double that helped AC Milan crash the opponents 4-0. Zlatan put Milan ahead during the 30th minute to record his 500th goal, and he went ahead to extend the tally with a second-half goal. This season, the 39-year-old has recorded 14 league goals and two more in cup competition. The Swedish player is only two goals away from Cristiano Ronaldo on top of the Serie A goal chart, although he has only played 876 minutes to date.

Ruthless as Ever

Zlatan appears to be as lethal as ever based on his ratios for aerials, shots, goals, and final-third passes this season. The 39-year-old is currently enjoying his second spell with AC Milan after a successful two-year career with the club until 2012. Ibrahimovic has also previously played for rivals Juventus in 2004-2006, before winning three Scudetos with Inter Milan between 2006 and 2009. 

The Swede is having a significant impact on AC Milan’s squad like he impacted Manchester United in the two seasons he was with them. Zlatan’s numbers are still soaring, and fans hope that he could lead Milan to win the Serie A title, which they last won in Ibrahimovic’s first spell with the club in 2011. The Swede has also proclaimed his undoubted greatness, as he dismissed any age-related decline and his numbers support the argument.

The Contract Situation

As Zlatan’s contract with Milan is expected to expire this summer, fans are still wondering whether the Swede will stay a little longer. Reportedly, Zlatan is set to launch talks with AC Milan to tie him to the club until he’s 41 years after his historic landmark on Sunday. However, everything will be done with the utmost calm as his performance makes it complicated for the Milan board to decide whether to extend his deal. 

Zlatan is a solid double-edged sword for Milan, and the team depends on him, his skills, mood, and goals. That means Milan would need to sign another top-class striker of the same model or devise another solution if Zlatan leaves. However, his age makes it hard to estimate his limit despite his undoubted talent. Nonetheless, everyone agrees that he’s a demanding player, and only Zlatan will know when it’s time to retire. 

Following his performance on Sunday, Milan manager Stefano Pioli later revealed that he wants to keep the veteran. Pioli is impressed with how Zlatan trains, but whether he stays for the next season will depend on several factors.