In a recent interview, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the legendary Swedish footballer, spoke candidly about his transition from player to a leadership role at AC Milan under the ownership of Gerry Cardinale's RedBird Capital Partners.

Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, 'As in the field, the most important thing of all is teamwork.

I clearly told Gerry when I agreed to work with him: “It is no longer a one-man show.

I am not here to save anyone.” He reiterated that he has accepted his new reality and aims to help others perform at their best while also learning from them.

Reflecting on his past as a professional athlete, Ibrahimovic acknowledged the challenges players face in accepting the end of their careers.

'The biggest problem every athlete has is accepting reality and putting ego aside.

I have done that,' he said, noting that this acceptance has brought him peace.

While discussing his role, Ibrahimovic mentioned the significance of mental fortitude in achieving success.

'I believe that with the right motivation and mindset, an athlete is capable of anything.

We won the last league title not as the strongest team but because we were the strongest mentally.

I aim to bring this mentality to my current role,' he explained.

Ibrahimovic's perspective on his new responsibilities includes blending management with the rich football culture at Milan.

He expressed a desire to unify the business side of the club with the sporting aspect, ensuring that new players are integrated into both environments seamlessly.

'When a new player arrives, I take them around to meet everyone.

They need to see the entire system—the business, the team, the staff.'

During the interview, he commented on the culture at AC Milan and observed that they are fostering a new approach, particularly regarding the club's youth academy.

Ibrahimovic is a proponent of the Academy, viewing it as essential to the club's future.

'Without the foundation, there is no peak.

The first team is incredible, but it is the base that supports the heart.

The Milan Academy is vital,' he stated.

Ibrahimovic also discussed the nature of his work environment, indicating that he prefers not to have an office, believing that productivity comes from the effort put into achieving goals rather than traditional symbols of authority.

'I don’t need a desk to prove my effectiveness.

I put all my commitment into what needs to be done,' he asserted.

Regarding his management style, he emphasized the importance of respecting expertise in different areas and fostering collaboration without exerting unnecessary authority.

Every action taken within the club must be results-oriented, he added, clarifying that AC Milan is not a charity but a football club.

Equipped with the experience of being a global sports icon, Ibrahimovic sees his responsibilities at Milan not just as a role, but as an opportunity to protect and guide the team.

'If someone needs to be targeted, let it be me.

I have spent ten years in conflict.

I have faced real fears, and media scrutiny does not affect me,' he remarked, illustrating his resilience.

On the broader vision for AC Milan under RedBird, Ibrahimovic acknowledged the club's storied legacy, highlighting aspirations to elevate its status in the football world further.

'The Milan brand is the most famous in Italy.

We represent Italian football globally.

Our management is young and ambitious, and this is our strength.

We do what we believe in, without fear, and we continue to push forward.'