Ibrahimović: “We were not satisfied and we have significantly improved the team, Bennacer asked to leave, with the fans this team is twice as strong” | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimović and Santiago Giménez before Milan-Inter at Stadio San Siro on February 2, 2025. (@acmilan.com)

Zlatan Ibrahimović presnted Santiano Giménez to the press and answered some questions about the mercato.

The January mercato is finally over and Milan completed it with an incredible day – signing 3 new players: Warren Bondo, Riccardo Sottil and João Félix; those 3 join Santiago Giménez, who was announced a day before, and Kyle Walker.

Today Giménez was presented to the press, and next to him sat Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was a key figure in the decision making of Milan in this window.

“Hello everyone. We are here to present Milan’s new striker. We have followed him for a long time, even tried to sign him in the summer, but it wasn’t possible. Now he’s here, and that’s the most important thing. He has great qualities. Now I’ll let him introduce himself because otherwise, they say I put too much pressure on players [smiles].

What are your expectations after this transfer window?“Yesterday was a very intense day, but always under control. I must thank our lawyer [smiles], our administration office, and everyone involved because they did a great job. Many situations were in play but in the end we did everything we wanted to. Obviously, we’re not happy or satisfied with our league position. We have strengthened the team, with 5 leaving and 5 coming in. For every position a player left, a new player arrived. We are satisfied with that work. This team will change the situation.”

The squad during training at Milanello. (@acmilan.com)

Has Milan reduced the gap with the teams ahead after the transfer market?“Whether we’ve closed the gap remains to be seen. We did everything in collaboration with the coach. In my opinion, we’ve significantly improved the team.”

It was your first transfer market as a protagonist…“It was intense and interesting. There were many moves, and you have to get everything done before the deadline. What we achieved was roughly what we had planned. We’re doing great work as a team. In the end, the results will speak for themselves.”

What has been missing in these first months of the season?“Consistency has been lacking. When you win, you gain confidence; otherwise, you have to reset and find continuity again. We’ve had ups and downs, but we’re the only ones with a trophy. Milan always plays to win, and when it wins, it lifts trophies.”

Zlatan Ibrahimović hugging Álvaro Morata celebrating with the Supercoppa Italiana Trophy after Inter-Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (@acmilan.com)

There has been a real revolution. When did you decide to make it?“When the season started, we believed in what we had built. We tried to change and bring something new, not with a single transfer, we made more deals to have a greater effect. As I’ve said, without results… well, we’re trying to get results. That’s our situation. That’s it. We were not satisfied, and we already have a trophy and yet we’re still not satisfied. We want more because we’re hungry for success.”

Why so many late moves in the market?“Each situation is different. In a deal, there are three parties that must come to an agreement. Some negotiations took longer, while others were faster. All players were signed after consulting with the coach. We finalized Sottil just 90 seconds before the deadline, so I want to thank the lawyers and secretariat for doing a fantastic job. They’re young, hungry, and hardworking.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Stadio San Siro. (@acmilan.com)

What’s behind Bennacer’s departure? Were there issues with Conceição?“He asked the transfer. He was important for Milan, had some injuries, and returned at the end of December. He wanted a new adventure. If a player wants something different, they shouldn’t stay here. We sought the best solution for both parties.”

What message do you have for the fans?“With the fans’ support this team is twice as strong. It’s much stronger. They are important for all of us, there’s an enormous difference between when they’re quiet and when they’re making noise. We can see it on the field, the team becomes better with the fans’ support. That’s why they’re very important. Then there are other things I can’t control, but we’re doing our best to bring in results. With the fans this team is much stronger. Just look at the last Scudetto we won, that team wasn’t even worth the Top 4 according to everyone, but we won with the fans’ support. That’s why for the players the support is very important. With the effect from the fans, you get back up automatically.“

Santiago Giménez during training at Milanello. (@acmilan.com)

What made you decide to sign Giménez?“Giménez is a player with great quality, he’s eager to score. He reminds me of a player we have – Camarda, who has the same eagerness as Giménez to score. That’s something you either have or you don’t. He can score with his head, his right foot, his left, in the box. I think his quality is in the box, but he also sacrifices for the team and provides assists. What kind of Milan will Giménez find? A strong one, with Leao, Pulisic, Reijnders, Walker, and many players who can provide assists. Don’t worry… even Maignan can assist!”

What do you expect from Giménez?“He’s here to deliver results. We hope he can leave a great legacy here. He’s in good hands to succeed. We’ll take it one step at a time and support him. Ultimately, it depends on the player—he just needs to focus on playing, and we’ll handle the rest.”

Zlatan Ibrahimović during training at Milanello. (@acmilan.com)

Do the fans’ criticisms affect you?“I’m focused on what I have to do. As a player, I loved being hated.”

In the Champions League, you’ve drawn Feyenoord…“It would have been better to win in Zagreb; we would have played two fewer games. When you sign a player, sometimes fate has you face his former team. What’s important is that Giménez plays in Rotterdam wearing the Milan jersey and scores goals.”

Your friend Galliani often made big last-minute deals in the market…“The market is dynamic. Sometimes you have to push things further to achieve results. I worked with the number one, Mino Raiola. Today, I realize how strong he was compared to others – no offense to anyone.”