AC Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed to return to the club as an advisor to the owners and an operating partner for RedBird Capital Partners, according to the Financial Times.
RedBird, a United States private equity, purchased Milan for around $1.2 billion in August 2022.
The former Sweden international had two massively successful stints at the Rossoneri and retired from football while with the Serie A club in June.
He made 163 appearances for the seven-time Champions League winners, scoring 93 goals.
Ibrahimovic will return to the club for a third stint later today and will serve as an advisor to Milan’s management and ownership.
Since retiring from football a few months ago, there have been rumours about Ibrahimovic returning to the club in some capacity, but they had to pinpoint his role.
The former Barcelona and Ajax striker had made it clear that he wanted to move into a directorship role rather than management.
True to the persona that has garnered him worldwide adulation, he wanted a role with responsibility. He didn’t want to be a ‘yes-man’ to the top brass without making any influential decisions.
Ibrahimovic will work with RedBird founder and chairperson Gerry Cardinale to further grow their investment portfolio of assets across sports, media and entertainment.
RedBird’s portfolio includes the New York Yankees and Main Street Advisors, a fund that boasts basketball great LeBron James and hip-hop legend Drake among its investors.
RedBird have a staggering $10 billion in assets, including stakes in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, the Alpine Formula One car racing team and Top Gun producer Skydance.
They have also backed LeBron James’ SpringHill Company and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s movie studio Artists Equity.
Ibrahimovic will also need to spot new opportunities for RedBird while working with Milan.
He is still highly respected in the Milan dressing room and will look to play an integral role upstairs while serving as a mentor for the first team.
