Ibrahimovic: ‘Milan row report false, but I nearly joined Napoli’ | OneFootball

Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists reports of a row with Giorgio Furlani are ‘false and invented,’ but does confirm Fabio Cannavaro tried to get him to join Napoli with a moped ride.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There had been a lot of speculation around Ibrahimovic in recent weeks, as he was absent from the Milanello training ground for almost a full month, so where has he been?

“The truth is I was ill, as I cut my hair, so my body was shocked and it gave me a virus,” the Swede joked on DAZN.

“No, I’m kidding. I did get a virus and even lost 3kg, but now I am here and present. I’m here to help everyone, both on and off the field. I am the present and the future of Milan.”

Ibrahimovic denies claims of Milan tension

VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 17: Giorgio Furlani CEO of AC Milan interacts with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The club is seeking a new director of sport, a role that currently isn’t present in the Milan hierarchy, with Fabio Paratici tipped as the favourite to be hired this summer.

“I know there is a lot of talk about this figure, but we are all united, talking every day about what we need and don’t need. I cannot get into details,” replied Ibrahimovic.

“I did read someone saying I argued with (Milan director Giorgio) Furlani, but it’s all false and invented. I speak to Furlani every day about all sorts of things, today, yesterday and tomorrow.

“I am here to help everyone. I hope things go better on the field and off it.”

Ibrahimovic had been close to a possible transfer to Napoli before ultimately ending his career right back at Milan. Is it true that Cannavaro took him on a moped ride throughout the streets of Naples to convince him?

“It’s true, I was close five or six years ago, but it didn’t happen and that was my destiny. When I set foot on the pitch just now, it gave me a lot of adrenaline. I scored two goals in my last match here.

“It is true that Cannavaro took me around the city on a moped, I cannot comment on his driving…”

The preparation for this match was transformed when Loftus-Cheek felt abdominal pains while at the team hotel overnight in Naples, then was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to remove his appendix.

The midfielder had been originally expected to start tonight, but now his season may well be over.