After ending his illustrious 25-year playing career, Ibrahimovic began his third spell at Milan in an entirely different capacity. Appointed as a consultant and partner for RedBird Capital, the Swede revealed how his transition began unexpectedly after months of enjoying family life before Gerry Cardinale personally convinced him to take on the challenge.
Speaking to Gazzetta he said: “It all started after a 25-year career in football, at full speed. Then I had 3-4 months of freedom to do what I wanted, without a schedule, I spent a lot of time with my children and… after 25 years, I met my wife. And the good news is that we’re still together! After three months, I saw Giorgio Furlani and he said: ‘I want you to meet Gerry Cardinale.’ I did: twice in Milan, the third in Los Angeles. But I didn’t want anything, I felt like a free man, I didn’t want to start making plans again. He insisted, he challenged me, and I always said no. Then I got curious. I asked him three things to agree: 1) I have to be myself, no one can cage me in; 2) if I come in, it has to be long-term; 3) I’m coming back to win. He said: ‘That’s why we’re here.’”
The former Sweden striker described his work as a blend of freedom and influence, ensuring he remains true to his personality while helping steer the club’s vision. Though he holds no formal office, Ibrahimovic acts as the key link between RedBird’s ownership and Milan’s sporting operations.
“My role hasn’t changed, it’s still the same: I represent the owners,” he said. “Last year, I did more than I had to. No one asked me to, I just felt like doing it, but I didn’t like it, because if I can’t be myself, I don’t feel good. I don’t want to be caged in, and in fact, I didn’t want an office. I go to the people I need to talk to.”
Since stepping into this new role, the 44-year-old has quietly become one of Rossoneri’s most influential voices. Reports suggest he was pivotal in persuading summer targets such as Christopher Nkunku and Ardon Jashari to join the Rossoneri project. At the ECA conference, Ibrahimovic not only represented Milan’s management alongside top RedBird executives but also shared his views on football’s biggest tacticians, hailing Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as coaches who “changed” football and backing Carlo Ancelotti to guide Brazil to World Cup glory.
As Milan continue to rebuild under RedBird’s ownership, Ibrahimovic’s presence ensures the club retains a balance between heritage and ambition. The Swede’s philosophy of “winning with personality” mirrors the standards he set as a player, and his role will likely grow as Milan chase domestic and European success in the coming years.
The Serie A side are currently two points behind joint leaders Napoli and Roma and will take on Fiorentina at San Siro in their next game on October 19.
