Milan announce Ibrahimovic deal

Milan have officially signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free loan from Barcelona with an option to buy for €24m.

“A.C. Milan announce the signing from F.C. Barcelona of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on a free loan with the option to buy for €24m,” read a statement.

“The Swedish champion will undergo his medical on Monday morning, after which he’ll sign the contract tying him to the Rossoneri for four years.”

It is quite a coup for Milan to have captured Ibrahimovic on a free loan deal just 12 months after Barcelona paid effectively €66m to take him from Inter.

The Spaniards reportedly paid €46m cash plus Samuel Eto’o, who was valued at €20m.

“I’m very happy and the situation wasn’t easy,” said Ibra. “Why did I choose Milan? Because they are one of the strongest clubs in the world, with a great tradition.

“Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato represent a fantastic strike force, now it is up to us. The Milan fans will certainly have fun.”

However, the return to San Siro will not sit well with the Inter supporters he walked out on a year ago, missing the Treble campaign.

“I don’t think they care about me now that they have won everything. As for me, I want to win the Champions League, the Scudetto and everything it’s possible to win with Milan.”

The former Juventus striker had a deal to join Milan in 2006, but hesitated when the Calciopoli scandal forced them to reach the Champions League via the preliminary round. He eventually chose rivals Inter instead.

“It is unusual that it took Ibrahimovic until the age of 28 to reach the club that for many years has been perfectly suited to his talents,” read the official Milan website.

“That summer of 2006. Without going back over the shocking injustice and terrible bitterness of that time, the night of August 9 made the difference.

“That evening after a 1-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League preliminary round, Milan were ready to make the final push for Ibra.

“But Gabriele Oriali did very well in getting there before anyone else. Now we’re up to date with today. Welcome world class striker! We’d been waiting for you a long time.”