Tare: ‘Milan agreement one of the happiest days of my life’ | OneFootball

Igli Tare says that signing on as Milan director of sport was ‘one of the best days of my life,’ and insists he has a bracingly honest rapport with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Albanian former striker spent most of his Serie A career at Lazio, first as a player and then a director, before taking the Milan job this season.

He sat down with DAZN Italia for an interview with Giorgia Rossi that will air from Friday, but the channel released a few snippets to the media in advance.

Tare committed to Milan project

VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“The time when I sealed the agreement with Milan was one of the best days of my life,” said Tare.

He also discussed the reportedly fractious rapport with club special advisor Ibrahimovic.

“We are both from the Balkans, we say things to people’s faces.”

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It looks as if Max Allegri’s side is on track to qualify for the Champions League, a significant improvement from last season’s failure to get into any European competition.

“In order to be worthy of Milan, we must get back to winning. You have to leave your mark here,” warned Tare.

The director also has faith that Rafael Leao will eventually manage to prove himself after years of inconsistency.

“He has incredible potential. As Luka Modric says, even he doesn’t realise just how much he can give.”