Max Ibrahimovic discusses Milan journey so far, Zlatan’s influence and idolising Leao | OneFootball

One of the stars of Milan Primavera is a winger with a very familiar surname, Maximilian Ibrahimovic, but not much had been heard from him until an interview he has done today with Sportbladet.

Ibrahimovic was called up for the first time by Sweden U18 at the beginning of October and it was deserved recognition after an excellent start to the season with the Primavera, for whom he has scored four goals in seven games playing as a left winger.

Back in May he signed his first professional contract with Milan, and the performances that he has offered since showed that it is far from a case of benefitting from the fact that his father Zlatan remains so connected to the club.

Maximilian spoke to Sportbladet over the break after being called up by U18 head coach Andreas Petterson, and his comments to the newspaper were relayed by MilanNews.

When did you start playing football?

“I started quite late, I was nine years old. I started at a local club in France, in Paris. I stayed there for a few months, maybe a year. Then I played in the PSG academy. After that I went to the Manchester United academy.

“After that we moved to the US, I played at a local club in Los Angeles. Then for the last few months I played for LA Galaxy. Then I moved to Sweden, I went to Hammarby. And then I moved to Italy to play for Milan.”

So young and already with so many experiences around the world…

“I have good memories everywhere, but it was at Milan where I felt best. Playing for Milan is really special. It is one of the greatest clubs of all time, there are not many other clubs that can compete.”

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The goal in the derby and the celebration were special…

“When I scored against Inter I kissed the shirt: scoring in the derby is very special. I can only thank them.”

What is your relationship with football?

“Until I was 11, I hated football. I thought it was the worst thing in the world. Then, when I was 11 or 12, I started to like it.”

How come?

“That was it, I just hated it. Nothing felt right, everything was wrong. I was always compared to my dad. I didn’t fit in, but then I found love for this sport.”

How did you do it?

“One day I woke up and there was this ‘click’ in my head, it happened.”

What languages ​​do you speak?

“English, Swedish and Italian. I’m not very good at French.”

Can you switch between languages ​​without difficulty?

“There are times when I don’t know a word in two of these languages, but I know it in the third (laughs). It’s a mix.”

What city did you grow up in?

“Here’s the list: Stockholm, Barcelona, ​​Los Angeles, Milan. Maybe I forgot something, but I think that’s more or less it.”

And which of these do you consider home?

“Sweden is my home, where I come from.”

Are you still going to school?

“No, not this year.”

When did you leave school?

“I stopped going last year, but I haven’t finished my senior year yet.”

What grades did you get?

“Good ones, of course. But this year has been so intense that it is difficult to manage even school.”

What was your favourite subject?

“Difficult, it depends on the teacher. I liked Languages.”

Do you think this also comes from something you inherited from your parents?

“My dad is very good with languages, he knows a lot of them. So I think I got it from him.”

And what did you get from your mother instead?

“Other things (laughs). Intelligence”

Everyone knows your father, but not your mother. What is she to you?

“She’s number one. She’s special. Without her, the family wouldn’t exist.”

Is this your role model?

“Yes, in a way. For me, she’s the best. She supports both me and Vincent [his brother] and keeps the family together.”

On the pitch, who is your idol?

“I can’t say just one… Leao, Neymar and Ronaldinho.”

Do you want to become the new Leao?

“I want to be myself. But if I could do as much as Leao does, I would definitely be happy. When I see him, I am truly speechless, he is truly special.”

Do you know each other?

“No, I don’t know him personally but we trained together a few times in the first team.”

What’s it like training with the senior team?

“This is also special. The first time I felt like a kid in a candy store. Now I’m a little used to it, I see other players in a competitive way.”

What was the best thing about having Zlatan as a dad growing up?

“Less than you think. He always gave me good advice, that’s all.”

How difficult was it to grow up in your dad’s shadow?

“The hardest thing is to believe that you are truly in the shadow and think about all the great things he has done. Instead I just focus on myself and what I do, without comparing myself to him or anyone else.”

When did you come to this thought?

“It’s something I’ve learned over time, there’s no specific moment.”

Who is stronger, you or your younger brother Vincent?

“(Laughs) Vincent is probably more talented, he will become a good player.”

You’re not just saying that to put extra pressure on him, are you?

“No, there is no pressure on him (laughs). He works hard every day and there is no talk of it yet. It will be special”.

What is your football dream?

“I want to win and become one of the strongest players. I aim high, I want to be among the best”

Besides Milan, do you have any sympathies for other teams?

“Only Milan counts.”

Which team do you support in Sweden?

“I should probably say Hammarby.”

Image By AC Milan

Favourite food?

“It depends on the day… But you can never go wrong with pasta.”

Who cooks?

“Me or my mom.”

What’s your best dish?

“When I cook the pasta it doesn’t come out that good, so I’d say none.”

What goes wrong when you cook?

“I’m not good enough, it always comes out too undercooked.”

What’s the best part of Milanello?

“Milanello is special. I’ve known it for many years. The facilities are the same as when Maldini and all the other legends were there, it’s the same style that contributes to having this 80s atmosphere. It’s special.”

Who is the star of Milan today?

“There are many stars. I can’t choose one, there is so much quality in so many roles.”