AC Milan

AC Milan are prepared to let Zlatan Ibrahimovic decide exactly when he will walk away from the club. The 38-year-old joined the Rossoneri for a second spell back in December on a short-term contract after his tenure with Major League Soccer side L.A. Galaxy had ended.

Milan director of sport Ricky Massara talked up the impact Ibrahimovic has made in the short time he's been back at the San Siro during an interview with Rai Sport (h/t Goal's Peter Hanson): "It'll ultimately be up to him, how he feels and how long he wants to continue. He truly is a phenomenon, and we are very happy with his performance."

Massara was referring to what comes next for Ibrahimovic, with Hanson detailing how the Swede is initially contracted until June. However, there is an option to extend the deal by 12 months.

It's something Milan sound open to judging by Massara's praise for Ibrahimovic's performances. Keeping a proven goalscorer who still feels he has a lot to offer at the highest level makes sense for a goal-shy Milan team.

The Rossoneri's profligacy in front of goal is best summed up by left-back Theo Hernandez being the club's leading scorer so far this season. Hernandez has a mere six goals to his credit, and he was unable to add to his tally after being booked twice and sent off during Thursday's 1-1 draw at home to Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.

Milan's goal against the Bianconeri came from Croatia international forward Ante Rebic, but Ibrahimovic proved he can still pose a threat against the dominant team in Italy:

It's 2020, and Buffon has just made a save from Ibrahimovic

— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) February 13, 2020

Ibrahimovic couldn't find the net on Thursday, but he has scored three goals since making his Milan comeback. There is still a fear factor about a striker who can bully defenders in the air and possesses the technique and improv skills to produce the truly spectacular.

Any doubts about Ibrahimovic's ability to still cut it against top teams were dispelled by his first-half performance during Sunday's 4-2 defeat to Inter in the Milan derby:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first half vs. Inter Milan by numbers:

3/5 aerials won
2 shots
1 assist
1 goal

Big game player. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/QRplFqlXIN

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 9, 2020

There is still value in a player who gives Stefano Pioli a battle-tested and natural striker. There are few of those in the Milan squad, with 20-year-old Rafael Leao and Daniel Maldini, 18, inexperienced.

Ibrahimovic relishes proving he can still revive the fortunes of a club struggling for direction.

Zlatan’s Milan face Ronaldo’s Juventus shortly 🍿 pic.twitter.com/wvfMIV2qvv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 13, 2020

Milan represent a fallen giant starved of success, not having won Serie A since 2011, Ibrahimovic's first spell at the club. Getting the Rossoneri back to winning ways would be a fitting legacy for one of the most decorated players of the modern era.

In their final game of December, AC Milan were thrashed 5-0 by Atalanta to finish 2019 in 11th place in Serie A, eight points off a European berth.

A month later, after an undefeated January, they are tied on 31 points with sixth-place Cagliari in the Italian top flight and have a spot in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back at the club, and after a rotten 2019, things are finally looking up for the seven-time European champions.

                  

Milan Statistical Leaders in Serie A

Goals: Theo Hernandez (5), Krzysztof Piatek (4), Ante Rebic (3), Giacomo Bonaventura (2), Hakan Calhanoglu (2), Rafael Leao (2), Frank Kessie (1), Suso (1), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (1)

Assists: Suso (2), Theo Hernandez (2), Andrea Conti (1), Davide Calabria (1), Hakan Calhanoglu (1), Lucas Biglia (1), Lucas Paqueta (1), Rade Krunic (1), Samu Castillejo (1)

                        

Milan took 10 points from 12 available in Serie A in January.

They kicked off 2020 with a 0-0 home draw against Sampdoria before beating Cagliari 2-0, Udinese 3-2 and Brescia 1-0.

The six goals Milan scored in January is equal to the combined total they netted in October and November.

Three of those were scored by Ante Rebic.

The 26-year-old joined Milan on a two-year loan deal from Eintracht Frankfurt in September. He spent most of the first half of the 2019-20 campaign warming the bench, playing just 179 minutes of Milan's opening 19 games of the Serie A season.

Against Udinese, though, manager Stefano Pioli threw him on at half-time with Milan trailing 1-0, and he equalised three minutes after the break.

The Croatia international then scored a stoppage-time winner. Five days later against Brescia, Rebic came off the bench again to secure all three points with a 71st-minute goal.

As well as a string of good results in Serie A, Milan also made it through two rounds of the Coppa Italia in January. Midway through the month, they swept past SPAL with a 3-0 victory in the last 16.

And on Tuesday, the Rossoneri booked their spot in the semis by beating Torino 4-2. A 91st-minute equaliser from Hakan Calhanoglu forced extra time at San Siro. And in the additional half-hour, Calhanoglu netted again to put Milan ahead before substitute Ibrahimovic ensured their spot in the last four, where they will face Juventus.

The Swedish striker, who sealed his return to Milan in December, played a part in all four of the club's Serie A games in January. The first appearance of his second stint at the club came from the bench against Samp. He scored Milan's second in the 2-0 win against Cagliari in his first start since his return.

Set up by Theo Hernandez, Ibrahimovic's first-time finish from 12 yards out was typically nonchalant.

In the victory over Udinese, he became the fastest player to register 150 Serie A wins, reaching the milestone in his 222nd appearance.

At 38, Zlatan will not be able to start every match for Milan across the remainder of the season. But he remains a top-class finisher, and his mere presence appears to have had a positive impact on the club. 

AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek has reportedly been offered to Chelsea, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested in the Poland international.

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the San Siro giants are looking to offload the player, but Spurs are not willing to pay the 24-year-old's £30 million asking price.

That could open the door for the Blues, who are said to be looking for a new forward. It's noted manager Frank Lampard wants to take the scoring load off Tammy Abraham, who was injured during Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.

La Gazzetta dello Sport's Nicolo Schira (h/t Football Italia) reported Spurs could broker a deal involving player exchanges, with Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth or Victor Wanyama potentially offered in order to decrease the fee.

However, Milan are said to prefer a fee matching their valuation or a loan leading to a compulsory sale at the end of a temporary switch.

Both English sides are considering their January options after key injuries, and Spurs must find a way to cover the loss of Harry Kane in attack.

Kane suffered a serious hamstring injury against Southampton on New Year's Day and might not return until the final weeks of the campaign, per BBC Sport.

Piatek has scored four goals in 18 Serie A appearances this term, and the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has added competition for the No. 9 position.

The Pole impressed at Genoa last season, scoring 13 goals in the Italian top-flight before his move to Milan last January. He found the net a further nine times in 18 appearances for the Rossoneri to finish the campaign. 

Piatek might be an excellent option for either London team while they are understrength, but it is questionable if the player would be a starter once Abraham and Kane are fully fit for their respective clubs. 

AC Milan agreed a six-month loan swoop on Monday for Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. 

The club's official website confirmed the stopper's San Siro arrival from the Premier League side, with Milan's Pepe Reina beginning a second spell in England after a loan move to Aston Villa.

Begovic tweeted he's delighted about moving to the Serie A giants:

Very happy to be joining this great club. I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and help this club be successful. Forza Milan! 🔴⚫️ @acmilan pic.twitter.com/hKKwkBzPQD

— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) January 13, 2020

The 32-year-old was part of Chelsea's 2016-17 Premier League winning squad, operating as Thibaut Courtois' deputy.

Begovic left Stamford Bridge in 2017 to become the Cherries' No. 1, but the keeper fell out of favour with manager Eddie Howe.

The player was on loan with Azerbaijan Premier League champions Qarabag, but had recently returned to his parent club in England.

Per Sky Sports, Howe said he was happy with how Begovic was training after he arrived back in Bournemouth, but admitted his stay with the squad might be short.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international will now remain with Milan until the summer as Gianluigi Donnarumma's back-up, and could be in line for a quick debut.

Football Italia reported Donnarumma is a doubt for Wednesday's Coppa Italia match against Serie A bottom side SPAL because of a thigh injury.

Simon Kjaer joined AC Milan on loan from Sevilla on Monday, with the defender stating it's "a dream" to play for the San Siro giants.

The seven-time UEFA Champions League winners hold an option to buy the Denmark international at the end of the season.

Speaking to Milan's official website (h/t Football Italia), Kjaer declared his excitement about joining the Rossoneri.

"It's been my dream to play for Milan. They represent an historic club, with some of the toughest champions in history.

"The strongest defenders of all time were at Milan, namely: Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Franco Baresi and others.

"It's been my dream for many years, and now I'm finally here!"

The club tweeted a welcome to their new capture on Monday:

👏🏻 Glad to have you with us, @simonkjaer1989 🔴⚫#SempreMilan https://t.co/bfoooZsTM5

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 13, 2020

The Denmark captain arrives shortly after Milan completed the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer when he ended his spell with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

According to Will Griffee for MailOnline, Kjaer and Ibrahimovic previously clashed as opponents. The Swede grabbed the Dane around the throat when Manchester United played Fenerbahce in 2016.

Both men will now be on the same side in Serie A, with Milan in a disappointing 10th in the division.

Kjaer hailed the striker after signing, per the club's website: "Zlatan is Zlatan. He doesn't need my comments nor anyone else's to explain how good he is. Everyone knows his strength. At 30 or 38, he's still the same person I met many times. He might not have the same physique as 10 years ago, but he's still devastating."

The 30-year-old is a well-travelled player who brings with him plenty of experience. Spells with Palermo and Roma have provided the defender with a taste of Italian football.

Kjaer had been on loan at Atalanta since September, but La Dea opted to terminate his loan after only five appearances, opening the door for his move to Milan.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said he is looking for his best physical form after scoring his first goal for the Rossoneri since returning to the club.

The 38-year-old was on point in the 2-0 win over Cagliari, making his first start and playing the full 90 minutes in Sardinia. He told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) he's mentally already in the right place and his physique will follow:

"It's important for a striker to try and be there, then sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn't. I feel good, I got a few balls wrong at the start of the game, but I need a few matches to get into shape.

"I'll celebrate like a God at San Siro, not here. I celebrate God every time I score, that way I feel alive!

"I feel good, the coach just wanted to think about by age and see if I needed a rest, but there's no problem. My mind is still sharp and the body has to follow."

Rafael Leao got the opener for Milan with a lucky deflection, before Ibrahimovic produced an expert finish to double the lead:

The goal made him the fifth-oldest Milan scorer in Serie A history:

38, 100 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (38 years and 100 days) is the fifth oldest goalscorer in Serie A for AC Milan after Costacurta, Maldini, Inzaghi and Liedholm. Endless. #CagliariMilan pic.twitter.com/62po0DL18t

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 11, 2020

It also meant he has now scored in four different decades:

1990s: 1
2000s: 191
2010s: 344
2020s: 1

Zlatan has now scored in four consecutive decades 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7fxAALWPIa

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 11, 2020

The Swede played 35 minutes in the scoreless draw against Sampdoria, his first outing since the MLS season came to an end and his first time playing for Milan in eight years.

He scored 56 in 85 appearances during his first spell with the club, per Football Italia. That stint yielded one Serie A title and a Supercoppa Italiana, before he left for Paris Saint-Germain.

He spent four seasons in Paris before moving to Manchester United and eventually ended up with the L.A. Galaxy in 2018. By that stage of his career, it appeared he would never play for a club in one of Europe's top leagues again, given his advanced age.

But Ibrahimovic kept scoring, netting 53 goals in two seasons in MLS. And with former club Milan in dire need of attacking help, a reunion became more likely as the January window drew near.

Krzysztof Piatek, last year's top attacking acquisition for the Rossoneri, has netted just four goals in Serie A so far this season. He could be on his way out, with plenty of links to Tottenham, per Sky Italia (h/t Ricky Sacks):

[Sky Sport Italia] | Tottenham Hotspur will now pay the €35M for AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, due to Harry Kane being out until April.

Milan already have a replacement, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed on as a free agent, effectively pushing Piatek to the bench.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/JStadghjGe

— Ricky Sacks 🎙 (@RickySacks) January 9, 2020

Leao is seen as a top talent, but the Portuguese is just 20 years old and has limited experience in Serie A. He could benefit greatly from playing next to a veteran like Ibrahimovic, who has a similar play style as a strong-bodied, bigger technical forward.

Milan have collected just 25 points from 19 matches so far this season, chasing sixth-placed Cagliari by four points. They'll host SPAL in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

Former Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has cast doubt over AC Milan's decision to re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying he would have instead "tried to promote some youth players." 

Ibrahimovic, 38, represented the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012, scoring 56 goals in 85 appearances for the club before he departed for Paris Saint-Germain.

Marchisio—who spent the 2005-06 campaign as a team-mate of Ibrahimovic with Juve—told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia): "I hope he'll shake them up. The Rossoneri must return to the levels they deserve to be at. In a season with all these problems, however, I would've tried to promote some youth players."

Milan's academy was once considered a gem in Italian football, but the pathway from the youth team to the Rossoneri's first-team squad has been clouded by a heavier focus on transfers in recent times.

Ibrahimovic came off the bench to make his second Milan debut against Sampdoria on Monday when he played the final 35 minutes in a 0-0 stalemate:

The San Siro welcomed the superstar back with a rousing reception when he came on in place of Krzysztof Piatek:

[📺LIVE - beIN SPORTS 3]
🔴⚫️ Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back ! pic.twitter.com/Ice1WbEadM

— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 6, 2020

Former Genoa ace Piatek, 24, could suffer most from Ibrahimovic's return, with the club having seemingly lost some faith in the Pole following a return of four goals in 18 league games this term.

Milan hope Ibrahimovic can rejuvenate a team that finished fifth in Serie A last season—their highest finish since 2013—after he spent 18 months with Los Angeles Galaxy.

ESPN reported in December that Ibrahimovic—who earned $7.2 million (£5.5 million) during the 2019 Major League Soccer season—was told to lower his salary demands before rejoining Milan.

The superstar's presence may naturally encourage more positivity at the San Siro:

🇮🇹 @footballitalia's @RichHall80 thinks that Zlatan Ibrahimovic can help bring the feel good factor back to AC Milan.

📻 Tune in - Now on National DAB
📲 Listen - https://t.co/XWhRQh9myF pic.twitter.com/XHLeoOANnP

— Love Sport Radio (@lovesportradio) January 3, 2020

Rafael Leao, 20, will likely find it more difficult to get minutes under Stefano Pioli following Ibrahimovic's arrival, while 26-year-old Ante Rebic could be demoted further. The Croat has made just one league start since he joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer on a two-year loan deal.

Marchisio spent 13 years with Juventus and saw a long line of youth talents emerge in Turin during his time at the club. He left for Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg in 2018 but retired a little more than one year later following injury difficulties.

Milan have invested in the tried-and-tested approach by signing Ibrahimovic for a second time in his career, and he'll look to resume his Italian goal count when the Rossoneri visit Cagliari on Saturday.

AC Milan unveiled new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Thursday, with the veteran striker agreeing a deal until the end of the season:

️ @Ibra_official is ready, are you?#IZBACK #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/T9VgfE1vEr

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 2, 2020

Ibrahimovic's arrival had been confirmed by the Rossoneri in December. The player and club have the option to extend his deal by a year should they wish.

The Rossoneri have confirmed Ibrahimovic will take the No. 21 shirt at the San Siro:

🔴⚫ And @Ibra_official's jersey number is... 🥁

🔴⚫ Ibra ha scelto il numero... 🥁#IZBACK #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/FIPz2IGB0F

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 2, 2020

B/R Football shared pictures of Zlatan posing with his new kit:  

Zlatan ➡️ Milan

2020 vs. 2010 ⏳ pic.twitter.com/WpG8yZZzmD

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 2, 2020

The 38-year-old spoke to Milan TV (h/t Football Italia) about his happiness at returning to his former club.

"I have always said that this is my home, and finally I am back. I've been through other clubs in the meantime, but I have returned, and that's the important thing. Finally I am here, wait for me at San Siro and we'll get it jumping again."

Ibrahimovic returns to the San Siro for his second spell with the seven-time European champions, having previously spent two years at the club between 2010 and 2012. In his first year as a Milan player, the striker helped the team to the Serie A title.

While Milan didn't win the competition in the season after, Ibrahimovic enjoyed an extraordinary individual campaign, per Squawka Football:

Zlatan Ibrahimović scored 28 Serie A goals in the 2011/12 season for AC Milan, Gunnar Nordahl is the only player in the club's history to score more in a single campaign.

Two Sweden legends. 🇸🇪🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/rUBEpW1YKG

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 27, 2019

The Swede returns to Milan with the team in a different place to his first spell, as they are nowhere near competing for major honours.

So far, the 2019-20 season has been one to forget for the club. Before the winter break, they were beaten 5-0 by Atalanta—their worst result for 21 years—and they sit down in 11th in the Italian top flight.

Goals have been desperately difficult to come by for Milan, too, with just 16 scored in their 17 league games. With that in mind, the acquisition of Ibrahimovic feels crucial for manager Stefano Pioli.

Per Premier Sports, Ibrahimovic was prolific in his final Major League Soccer season with Los Angeles Galaxy:

Watch Zlatan’s 30 @MLS goals in 2019 🔥

In his own words..

🛬 He came
👀 He saw
💪 He conquered #MLZ
🎥 - @MLS pic.twitter.com/6ypx2tDbeR

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) November 14, 2019

It will be intriguing to see how the striker fares back in Serie A. The last time Ibrahimovic played in European football was for Manchester United between 2016 and 2018. After an impressive first season with the Red Devils, the forward struggled in his second campaign following a serious knee injury.

Milan are crying out for strong leadership and incision in the final third. Ibrahimovic should be able to help them out in both areas and give the struggling giants of Italian and European football a timely boost.  

AC Milan will be hoping 2020 can rejuvenate spirits at the San Siro as they bring the curtain down on a year to forget. 

December started well for the Rossoneri, stringing together back-to-back wins on the road against Parma and Bologna.

However, the team were disappointing in a 0-0 draw with Sassuolo, before they suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Atalanta before the winter break. It leaves Milan down in 11th in Serie A, eight points off a European place.

Here are some of the key numbers and highlights from the December matches, with manager Stefano Pioli hoping the side's fortunes improve in January after the acquisition of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan Statistical Leaders in Serie A

Goals: Krzysztof Piatek (4 goals), Theo Hernandez (4), Giacomo Bonaventura (2), Hakan Calhanoglu (2), Frank Kessie (1), Suso (1), Rafael Leao (1)

Assists: Suso (2), Davide Calabria (1), Hakan Calhanoglu (1), Lucas Biglia (1), Lucas Paqueta (1), Rade Krunic (1), Theo Hernandez (1)

      

Milan's 2019 Ends With a Whimper

Although Milan made progress at the start of the month with seven points taken from a possible nine, any good work was undone by their hammering in Bergamo.

Atalanta were rampant against the seven-time European champions, showcasing how far ahead of Milan they have moved in the Serie A pecking order. Defensively, Pioli's side were hopeless, with the home side running riot even without star strikers Duvan Zapata and Josip Ilicic.

Here are the highlights from one of the lowest points for Milan for many years:

The defeat was the heaviest the Rossoneri has suffered for many years:

Game of the Weekend: We've picked the 5-0 win for Atalanta over AC Milan, which was Milan's worst defeat in 21 years

It was the first outing for Atalanta's Christmas shirt and might want to wear it more if they get results like this!

What was your game of the weekend? pic.twitter.com/naPzw4lY5y

— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) December 23, 2019

The contrast between the two sides was stark. Atalanta's progress in recent years has been on the basis of smart recruitment and a clear identity implemented by those in leadership positions at the top of the club.

Milan have lacked that kind of stability for a long time. Per football writer David Amoyal, even with superior funds available when compared to sides like Atalanta, they are toiling:

Milan’s payroll is three times the size of Atalanta’s- how many rossoneri would start for Gasperini’s team today? (Honest question, curios to hear your answers)

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) December 22, 2019

Pioli will hope the acquisition of Ibrahimovic will at least bring some on-field leadership back to the squad.

The 38-year-old is a popular figure at the San Siro, having helped Milan win the Serie A title in 2010-11. The season after, he enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons ever had by a Rossoneri striker:

Zlatan Ibrahimović scored 28 Serie A goals in the 2011/12 season for AC Milan, Gunnar Nordahl is the only player in the club's history to score more in a single campaign.

Two Sweden legends. ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/rUBEpW1YKG

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 27, 2019

While he's in the twilight of his career, Ibrahimovic netted 30 goals for Los Angeles Galaxy in Serie A last season. Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe thinks his influence will help others at the club too, most notably Krzysztof Piatek:

Not Zlatan's biggest fan and usually see the worst in his potential moves, but boy could Milan use him right now.

Piatek needs an MOT and this team needs a touch of arrogance and aura up top. Zlatan is a good short-term answer.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) December 4, 2019

If there's to be any positivity to come from the month of December, it's the continued strong performances of Theo Hernandez at left-back, who wasn't involved in the hammering at the hands of Atalanta.

The 22-year-old has provided a thrust and attacking incision out wide, netting in the wins over Parma and Bologna. Despite his tender age, the former Real Madrid man has been the standout performer for Milan in Serie A this season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has completed his move to Italy, returning to former club AC Milan on a free transfer after leaving L.A. Galaxy.

The Rossoneri confirmed the news in a cryptic social media post:

⚡🔴⚫#IZCOMING pic.twitter.com/CkqGPw2APx

— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 27, 2019

AC Milan announced Ibrahimovic has agreed a deal until the end of the season with the option for one more. He will have a medical on January 2 and then train with the team for the first time.

The 38-year-old also offered his first thoughts on returning to AC Milan for another stint with the Serie A giants.

"I'm coming back to a club I hugely respect and to the city of Milan I love," he said. "I'll fight together with my team-mates to change the course of this season. I will do everything to make it happen."

The Swede played for the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2012 before stints with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and L.A. Galaxy. He became a free agent after the 2019 MLS season.

Early in December, he suggested a return to Italy was close in an interview with GQ Italia (h/t Corriere della Sera, via Football Italia). Napoli, AS Roma and Bologna were reportedly interested in his services, but a return to Milan always seemed most likely.

The Rossoneri are in dire need of attacking reinforcements, with the forward positions proving to be a major problem area both this season and throughout the past decade:

Despite only playing for two seasons, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is AC Milan's top scorer for the decade 😳 pic.twitter.com/VCQHg0gZD9

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 23, 2019

Krzysztof Piatek has failed to live up to the hype this season, regressing after finding the net 22 times during the 2018-19 Serie A campaign. Milan have struggled as a whole and find themselves well behind their main rivals for the European tickets.

When Ibrahimovic last played for Milan, they were still among Italy's elite clubs and UEFA Champions League royalty.

He won the 2010-11 Serie A title with the Rossoneri and played a role in their second-place finish the following year. Milan haven't finished in the top two since, and they have found themselves outside of the Champions League spots in six straight seasons.

The 38-year-old has collected an impressive amount of silverware, winning domestic titles with Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Milan and PSG, as well as the Europa League and EFL Cup with United.

He's unlikely to have a similar impact on a slumping Milan team, but his return will give the disappointed Milan fans something to be excited about after the horror first half of the season.