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Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan, the club confirmed in an official statement on Monday. Despite turning 40, Ibrahimovic remains a vital cog in the AC Milan lineup. However, the details of the new contract offered to Ibrahimovic were not divulged.
The club confirmed that the 40-year-old will stay at the Serie A club till June 30, 2023. It also confirmed that the Swede will continue to wear the number 11 shirt in its released statement. “AC Milan is pleased to announce the renewal of Zlatan Ibrahimović's contract until June 30, 2023. The Swedish forward will continue to wear the number 11 shirt,” AC Milan said in a statement.
While it is confirmed that Ibrahimovic will stay at the club for one more year, any details about his new contract were not revealed. But as per a source close to the deal said the Swede has accepted a reduced salary given he will be unable to play until 2023 after undergoing surgery on his left knee in May.
Notably, Ibrahimovic returned for a second stint with AC Milan in January 2020 after leaving his Major Soccer League team LA Galaxy. Although his second stint at the Italian side has been riddled with injuries, Ibrahimovic has made 74 appearances and scored 36 goals in all competitions since his return, helping Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years last term.
Ibrahimovic was also at the club when Milan last won the Scudetto, joining on loan from Barcelona and scoring 14 league goals in 29 appearances to fire them to the 2011 title. He then went on to sign a permanent deal but left for Paris St-Germain at the end of the 2011-12 season. Sweden's all-time leading scorer, with 62 goals in 121 international appearances, is not the only outfield player in his 40s in Europe's top leagues.
Real Betis captain Joaquin, who turns 41 on 21 July, also recently signed a one-year extension to remain at the La Liga club.