Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that he is extremely grateful towards AC Milan sporting director and CEO Adriano Galliani for bringing him back to Milan from Barcelona. CEO Adriano Galliani was extremely influential in bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the San Siro, although this time with AC Milan from Barcelona. Ibrahimovic had moved to Barcelona just the season before for around £ 60 million in total, but endured a turbulent season at the Camp Nou. He fell out of favour with the Barcelona manager Guardiola and also a number of the key playing staff. He was soon sold to Milan on initial loan deal, which was later converted into a permanent one for £ 20 million.
Since his return to Milan, Ibrahimovic has become one of the most important players for AC Milan. He has not only been able to get the club to the Italian Serie A title after many seasons, but also looks like helping them retain it this season as well. So far, he has scored 18 goals in the league, but his contribution stretches into many assists as well. He was crucial in helping AC Milan get past Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League. Ibrahimovic recently scored a hat-trick against Palermo in the league to help the club open a four point advantage at the top of the table.
“Galliani said to Barcelona he would not return without me. He gave me so much confidence and I owe him a lot. I am very fond of Galliani and I think he feels the same about me. I’m very happy now, after three rounds of suspension. I’m back and everything went very well for me and the team that is playing well and with so much confidence,” Ibrahimovic enthused after the match.