‘Ibrahimovic is getting old’

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
| credits: AFP

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi is pleased that the club signed Mario Balotelli rather than Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he feels the PSG striker might be past his prime.

According to Soccerway, the Rossoneri were heavily linked with a move for Ibrahimovic during the transfer window, but eventually missed out on the Sweden international as PSG refused to sell.

They then brought in Balotelli from Liverpool on a one-year loan deal instead and Berlusconi has no regrets over Milan’s transfer dealings.

“Ibra wanted to come to Milan, but they wouldn’t let him go,” Berlusconi told the official Milan website.

“However we got Balotelli, who is younger. Ibra is like me and is getting old.

“Balotelli didn’t get a pass wrong against Palermo and God willing he really has changed, he appears to be more serious and pensive.

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“He made a series of runs and passes, linking up with the other players. I hope he can keep this going in the future. I talk with him on the phone from time to time and he seems calm, I think he has reached the maturity stage in a player’s career.”