Ibrahimovic reveals Cardinale wants Milan to spend more ‘but I say no’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Milan owner Gerry Cardinale wants to ‘spend more’ but the ex-forward feels that the Rossoneri must invest only what’s strictly needed to strengthen the team.

Ibrahimovic attended a press conference at Milanello on Tuesday to unveil new signing Emerson Royal who has joined the Serie A giants from Tottenham.

The Brazil international has signed a four-year deal with Rossoneri completing a permanent €15m transfer, plus add-ons.

“First of all, welcome to the Black Panther, Emerson Royal,” Ibra said as quoted by Milannews.

“We had been following him for a long time, but we signed him at the right moment. He is a physical player, attacking and defensive, with intensity and grit. We are even stronger with him. He was one of our targets at the start of the transfer window, and finally, he’s here. This is the fifth day of the seven that God created. We are happy and motivated.”

This, however, doesn’t mean that Milan will sign two more players.

Ibrahimovic reveals Cardinale wants Milan to spend more ‘but I say no’

“Creating a world is not only about incoming players. We’ll see,” said Ibra.

“We are in no rush and everything is under control. We have our targets and a strategy to strengthen the team.”

One of the new signings for the Rossoneri could still be a defensive midfielder.

“It could be. We want to build a compact team,” Ibra confirmed.

“Emerson was an easy choice, he was an appropriate profile with a nice balance between attack and defence,” continued the ex-striker.

“If you look at Fonseca, this is a perfect profile for him. It’s important that he can play in both phases. If I have to choose, I like the offensive football. We play to attack, not to defend the result.”

Milan owner Cardinale is in Italy and will watch the Trofeo Berlusconi, a friendly against Monza, at San Siro tonight.

“Gerry is in town. We had meetings yesterday and today,” said Ibra.

“We talked about many things, nothing new. Gerry wants us to spend more, but I say no. We must only spend what is needed to strengthen the team.”

The Rossoneri have reportedly reached an agreement to sell Pierre Kalulu to Juventus. Will the Frenchman really leave San Siro shortly?

“We must talk to him and understand the best thing for him and the club,” Ibra argued.

“Right now, I can’t reply. I am sorry that Florenzi sustained an injury. Emerson is an extra reinforcement. He had a great desire to come here.”

Last but not least, Ibrahimovic talked about former Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi who will be honoured in tonight’s friendly.

“He gave me a lot of happiness here, and I am sad that he’s no longer here,” said the Red Bird advisor.

“He will live forever in our memories. We play in the Trofeo Berlusconi tonight, a tribute to him. I always try to transmit what he taught me. If we are here, it’s because of him. He was Milan, and everyone has great respect and gratitude for him.”