Ibrahimović aims to keep ball rolling
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Article summary
Zlatan Ibrahimović has been the bright spark in attack for AC Milan this term and hopes to add to his tally as the Rossoneri bid to avenge their Matchday 3 loss to Real Madrid CF.
Article top media content
Article body
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has called on AC Milan to avenge their loss to Real Madrid CF a fortnight ago when they meet the Merengues again at San Siro in UEFA Champions League Group G on Tuesday. "The supporters expect a lot from us," Ibrahimović said. "We know Real Madrid's strengths, but we also know our qualities and we have to put pressure on them."
Milan are second in Group G, level on four points with AFC Ajax, and while a draw could be enough for José Mourinho's Madrid to advance, the Rossoneri must go for all three. "We can win and I am really excited about this game. It's the Champions League, the tickets are sold out – it doesn't get better than this," the former FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona forward said.
The Swedish international is Milan's top scorer this season with seven goals in 11 appearances in all competitions, including three in the UEFA Champions League. He has been a bright spot at a time when others have struggled for form, and is happy to take on the responsibility of spearheading the attack. "If I have to make sacrifices for the team I do it gladly," the 29-year-old said.
"Of course not everything depends on me – I have to get used to the way Milan play and my team-mates have to get used to playing with me," continued Ibrahimović, who returned to Italy from FC Barcelona in August. "I only arrived two or three months ago, it's important to find a solution that fits everyone. If they want to keep passing to me, that's good – I'm better with the ball than without."
After a run of seven games without defeat, the Rossoneri have lost two of their last three matches, suffering their first Serie A home defeat of the year on Saturday, 2-1 against Juventus. Ibrahimović scored again, against another of his old clubs, and is hungry for more as he targets a return to winning ways.
"I came here to win and I feel I have a lot of responsibility on my shoulders," the ex-Ajax and Malmö FF man said. "The supporters expect a lot of us, from every player. Whether you win or lose, you always do it together."