Zlatan Ibrahimovic Returns to AC Milan Training After Six-Month Absence
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan’s Milanello base on Monday, ending a six-month absence from the training ground as Ruben Amorim prepared his squad for Benfica’s visit in the Europa League.
The former Milan striker, now a senior adviser to RedBird, watched the morning session closely and has resumed a more visible role around the first team after talks during the summer resolved uncertainty over his position.
Ibrahimovic had not been seen at Milanello since a reported heated exchange with Massimiliano Allegri during the closing stages of last season. Milan’s difficult finish saw them end fifth in Serie A and miss out on Champions League qualification, with Allegri dismissed the day after the campaign ended.
The Swede then stepped back from the day-to-day club picture. He worked as a Fox Sports pundit during the World Cup and was absent from major Milan occasions, including Franco Baresi’s tribute event, prompting doubts over whether he would remain involved.
That uncertainty has now lifted. Ibrahimovic maintained an active working relationship with RedBird owner Gerry Cardinale throughout his time away from the training complex, and his advisory role is again expected to connect Milan’s ownership, management and sporting operations.
Europa League test comes next
Milan host Benfica on Wednesday as they begin their Europa League campaign, with Ibrahimovic’s return arriving at a significant moment for Amorim and his players.
In Serie A, the Rossoneri are fifth after taking eight points from four matches. Wins over Torino and Venezia opened the season, before away draws against Juventus and Lazio slowed their early momentum.
After Benfica, Milan return to San Siro to face Lecce on Sunday. It will be their final fixture before the international break.
