Zlatan Ibrahimovic has shared his thoughts on the management of AC Milan, offering guidance to the club's owner Gerry Cardinale. The former Rossoneri striker spoke at the WSJ Sports Event in the United States on July 16, 2026. Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of balancing the club's sporting and business aspects, stating that a successful owner must create an identity for the team that reflects its unique character.

Ibrahimovic believes that Cardinale must focus on creating a strong identity for AC Milan, rather than trying to emulate other teams. He emphasized the importance of representing the club's values and character, rather than trying to conform to external expectations. The Swedish striker also expressed his confidence in Cardinale's ability to lead the club to success, citing his ability to attract top talent, such as Ibrahimovic himself.

In addition to offering guidance to Cardinale, Ibrahimovic also spoke about the challenges facing Italian football. He criticized the country's infrastructure, stating that its stadiums are not on par with those in other top European leagues. Ibrahimovic emphasized the need for Italian football to invest in modern infrastructure and a new approach to the game.

The former AC Milan striker's comments highlight the importance of balancing tradition and innovation in football management. As the club continues to evolve under Cardinale's leadership, Ibrahimovic's words offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing AC Milan.