Why Zlatan Ibrahimovic WON'T receive a Champions League medal if AC Milan lift the trophy this season
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic could miss out on a long-sought-after Champions League winners’ medal if AC Milan lift Europe’s prized club trophy this season.
Milan punched their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals after knocking current Serie A leaders Napoli out of the competition in the quarter-final stage.
The defending Italian champions will now face fierce rivals Inter Milan, while Real Madrid will clash with Manchester City in the other semi-final fixture.
Ibrahimovic, who returned to Milan in 2020 after his spell with LA Galaxy, has hoovered up major silverware in his prolific club playing career.
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However, the 41-year-old Sweden striker has failed to lift the Champions League trophy, having previously secured a Europa League medal with Manchester United.
If Milan were to make it to the final and beat City or Madrid in Istanbul on 10th June, then Ibrahimovic would not receive a Champions League winners’ medal.
Ibrahimovic would miss out on a winner’s medal due to the fact that he was not included in Milan’s Champions League squad in September or February.
The former United and Paris Saint-Germain striker underwent knee surgery in 2022 after admitting that he played for six months “without an ACL in my left knee.”
Ibrahimovic, who renewed his contract last July, made his triumphant return for Milan in their 2-0 Serie A win over Atalanta at the San Siro in February.
The Milan star is tipped to leave the San Siro in the summer, with Ibrahimovic’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Speaking after Milan’s progression to the semi-finals, Stefano Pioli hailed his side’s performance in Europe this season after they were classed as “underdogs.”
“We remember full well where our European journey started against Rio Ave,” he told Mediaset.
“Everyone thought we were the underdogs, but we have a great heart, we wanted this with all we had and I congratulate my lads.”
Pioli added: “It would look like that, as Inter won the first leg so well. These will be another two difficult, exciting and wonderful clashes in the Champions League.
“We’ve done a great deal and don’t want to stop now.”
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Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan, Serie A, Champions League, Italy, Football
