Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan close reaching a new contract

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan looks on in the Serie A game against Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma, Italy, April 10, 2021. /CFP

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay in AC Milan for at least another season and is about to sign a new contract, confirmed the club's legend and technical director Paolo Maldini.

"We are discussing only the final details, we are at the last steps and then Ibrahimovic will sign the new contract with us," said Maldini.

Ibrahimovic came to San Siro (again after 2012) during the winter transfer window in 2020. Having scored 11 goals and five assists in 20 games in the second half of the 2019-20 Serie A season, he helped the Rossoneri come back from the disappointing start and make the UEFA Europa League.

That's why AC Milan decided to extend his deal by another year and Ibrahimovic continued his great performance by getting 16 goals and three assists in 24 games for the team so far. Though now AC Milan are 11 points away from the leading Inter Milan and unlikely to win the championship this season, they should be able to play the UEFA Champions League next season. They couldn't have done it without Ibrahimovic.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) of AC Milan controls the ball in the Serie A game against Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Ennio Tardini, April 10, 2021. /CFP

Ibrahimovic is turning 40 years old next October and his new deal is reportedly worth seven million euros (about $8.3 million) a year, the same as his annual salary this season.

AC Milan will have a lot to sum up after this season. For example, they were able to maintain the lead in the first half of the season with an incomplete lineup, but began to struggle after many players returned from injury. Moreover, the team enjoyed almost the best record on the road in Europe but kept losing points against not so competitive opponents like Udinese Calcio and U.C. Sampdoria at home.

Stefano Pioli's players already know how to fight as underdogs. Now they need to learn how to win as a strong team because that's who they have been in most of the time in history.