AC Milan CEO Describes Zlatan Ibrahimovic as 'Fundamental' Figure on Alvaro Morata’s Recruitment

AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a ‘fundamental role’ in Alvaro Morata’s arrival at the club. Earlier this week, Morata confirmed he was signing for AC Milan after finishing his second spell at Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old Spanish forward has reportedly cleared his medical tests as he prepares to join Rossoneri. Following the transfer announcement, Furlani told Sky Sport Italia, as per multiple media outlets, “Zlatan and Fonseca were fundamental to convincing him [Morata to join AC Milan]. Ibrahimovic knows what it means to be the Milan striker, and Fonseca explained how important he will be in the project.”

Speaking further, Giorgio Furlani also talked about how the club was eager to complete the formalities soon as they considered Alvaro Morata a ‘great champion.’ He said, “Alvaro has expressed his desire [to sign for Milan]. Now, we have to complete the formalities. He is a great champion.” The AC Milan CEO voiced that Morata deserved a vacation after leading Spain’s successful campaign at the Euro 2024. “By talking to him, you understand why he was named the captain of Spain. He is confident, but now he deserves to go on holiday,” Furlani added.

Alvaro Morata is currently enjoying some time off football after captaining Spain to Euro 2024 glory. Last weekend, Spain beat England 1-0 to win their record-fourth European Championship crown. It was Morata’s second title with La Roja as he previously won a UEFA Nations League crown in 2022-23. He is now set to lead AC Milan’s campaign for a Serie A crown in the next season. The ex-Atletico Madrid forward is reportedly set to sign a four-year contract in a deal worth £10.96 million. He leaves the Colchoneros with 58 goals and 14 assists in 154 matches.

AC Milan are set to begin a new era with the appointment of their new manager Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese manager was with French club Lille from 2022-2024. Last season, the Rossoneri finished 19 points behind their arch-rivals Inter Milan in Serie A. They finished the campaign trophyless and will now be aiming to usurp the Nerazzurri in the upcoming season.