In the early morning of the 19th, Beijing time, in the 27th round of Serie A, AC Milan lost 1-3 away to Udinese, and did not win in the past three rounds of the league.
In this match, the 41-year-old and 166-day Swedish star Ibrahimovic scored the only goal for the Rossoneri. With this goal, he became the oldest league goalscorer since the restructuring of Serie A.
In an interview after the game, Ibrahimovic said he would continue to play as long as he felt good because he didn't want to have regrets.
Although Milan lost a crucial goal in the league race for the fourth place, fans focused more on the 41-year-old "Uncle" Ibrahimovic that day.
Milan won a penalty in the 45th minute and Ibrahimovic, who had recently returned from a long recovery period, stood on the penalty spot, but his shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
However, after being reminded by the video referee, the referee on duty determined that Udinese had a player entering the box early, so the penalty kick required a heavy penalty. On the second chance, Ibrahimovic took it firmly and pierced the opponent's door with a signature blast.
It was Ibrahimovic's 156th Serie A goal, a full 19 years since he scored his first goal in the Apennine in 2004. Today, at the age of 41 years and 166 days, he surpasses Milan's legendary defender Costa Kuta as the league's oldest goalscorer.
Costa Kuta set a record in 2007 at the age of 41 years and 25 days, and coincidentally, the goal he scored for Milan was also a penalty against Udinese.
Unfortunately, Udinese at home was not willing to be the backdrop, and the team scored two consecutive points after Milan equalized the scoreline, eventually winning 3-1, giving the defending champions the second defeat in three league matches.
After the game, Ibrahimovic said in an interview with Sky Sports that although the goal was significant, he was still a little disappointed that he was not able to exchange three points.
"I am proud to be part of the history of this club and it means a lot to have my name written in the annals of the club. Unfortunately, this goal didn't give us three points, which is what I wanted most. ”
Of course, the classic "mouth cannon" is essential, he said of his goal, "Actually, I made a good free throw the first time, but the goalkeeper saved well. So the second time I said to myself, 'I'm going to go in with somebody.' ”
So far, AC Milan are fourth in the Serie A table with one more match, just one point ahead of fifth-placed Roma. With 11 rounds left in the league, the prospects for the fourth place are not optimistic.
Commenting on the ups and downs of the squad's season, Ibrahimovic admits that his young team-mates lack some experience as defending champions and must continue to improve in the future. Last May, Milan won Serie A for the first time in 11 years, and Ibrahimovic was the only player to be present when the club won both titles.
"Your reigning title is a thrill for the opponent and we have been under pressure every game this season. That's the way it is when you play in a big club and everyone wants to beat Milan because they are Serie A champions. This team has no experience as the reigning champions of the league, which is why there are these ups and downs. We can't be at a high level in all the races, we can't always be at our best. ”
In addition to the team's form, fans are most concerned about whether Ibrahimovic will continue his playing career. After winning the championship with the team last year, he underwent knee surgery and missed 14 months with an injury before returning to the pitch last month.
"If I feel good, it will definitely continue." Ibrahimovic said: "Players who are in good shape after retiring often regret [making decisions too early]. I've endured too much and missed too much in the last 14 months and it's time to grab my chance to get back in the ring. ”
Although his ability has declined with age, since Ibrahimovic returned to Milanello in 2020, the team's morale has been boosted and he is gradually on track. His leading role in the dressing room is beyond doubt.
"What I can do now is try to help my teammates improve in training and stick with them. I have confidence in this team and they can do well in the next Champions League games. ”
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