Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in talks to become 'club manager' at AC Milan just days after announcing his retirement.
Ibrahimovic recently called time on his professional career at the age 41, announcing his decision following AC Milan's final match of the season against Verona on June 4.
It brought the curtain down on a career which spanned more than two decades and featured spells at some of the biggest clubs in the world including Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
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In total, Ibrahimovic managed 511 goals in club football – 93 of which came across his two separate spells with AC Milan.
Ibrahimovic could look to continue his relationship with the Italian club as he plots his next career move.
According to reports in Italy, the Swede has held talks with Milan over become their new 'club manager'.
Italian outlet Calciomercato (via The Sun) claim Ibrahimovic would not replace head coach Stefano Pioli if appointed in the role.
Instead, he would act as a 'link between the management and the team'.
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Ibrahimovic has held discussions over taking the unusual role but is said to be 'unconvinced' and will take time before deciding whether to accept the offer.
AC Milan are prepared to wait for him to decide before moving on to other targets.
Club president Paolo Scaroni confirmed the door is open for Ibrahimovic, telling Il Corriere dello Sport: "I have the impression that he wants to take a sabbatical period.
"Then he remains a friend, a person to whom we owe a lot, because in the most difficult moments he has allowed us to make a breakthrough.
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"If he comes up with ideas we will be the first to listen to them."
Ibrahimovic was previously offered a future coaching role at Manchester United in 2017, with then manager Jose Mourinho keen to take the Swede on as part of his staff.
Ibrahimovic opted to delay his coaching badges to focus on playing, with the forward later signing a 12-month contract extension with United.
He later left the club for MLS side LA Galaxy in 2018, ending any hopes of him becoming a coach at Old Trafford.
Topics: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan, Football, Serie A
Rory O'Callaghan