CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The reason why Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t be given a medal even if AC Milan win the Champions League
The Swedish striker has never won Europe’s top competition and it looks like his wait for glory will have to continue.
Milan managed to get past Napoli in the Champions League quarter-final to set up an enticing tie in the final four against city rivals Inter. However, things did not go to plan and the nerazzurri made sure that Pioli’s side have it all to do in the second leg (which you can watch on TV or online) after beating them comfortably 2 goals to nil.
As for AC Milan, if they make it past their city rivals and go all the way to winning the trophy, they will find themselves in a curious position in which they will have a few specific players at the club who will not receive a medal for their work, one being a particularly famous figure in the sport.
That player is Swedish striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will not be awarded a medal if Milan go on to lift the 8th European Cup in their history. The 41-year-old has played just 4 times in all competitions for the side, scoring just one goal and not getting any assists. But his lack of minutes is not the reason for his potential lack of medals.
Why wont Zlatan get a winner’s medal?
The reason he would not receive a medal should AC Milan go on the lift the trophy is simply because he is not registered in their squad for the European competition. Poor Zlatan has played for Manchester United, Barcelona, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Milan and PSG, but is yet to lift the Champions League.
And even despite the amazing progress of AC Milan in this season’s edition of the tournament, Zlatan would have to look on longingly from the sidelines as his teammates celebrate with their silverware. The Italian side, with seven, are second in the all-time rankings, seven behind Real Madrid, who are also in the semi-finals this year.
Sergiño Dest is another player who would be left out of any celebrations as he is also not on the official squad list for the Champions League. However, his situation is slightly more serious than that of Ibrahimovic, as Dest was even allowed to leave mid-season to play with the USMNT in search of minutes.
Inter vs Milan: the second round
Rafa Leão’s recovery seems to be going smoothly as Milan boss Piolo highlighted during the week. The winger was absent in Milan’s 2-0 loss to Inter which, in truth, could have seen the nerazzurri run away with the tie, were it not for some poor finishing and good goalkeeping. The Portuguese is a huge boost for the home team who will be looking to continue their fantastic European run and chase for their 8th Champions League trophy.