Ibrahimovic is 39, but AC Milan coach Pioli says he 'always wants to play'

Milan, Oct 28, 2020 (AFP) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic always wants to play, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli said on Wednesday, before their Europa League game against Sparta Prague.

"I won't ask Zlatan if he wants to play, because I already know the answer," said Pioli amid a tight schedule of games every three days.

"There will be changes, but I don't like talking about turnover, I have many starters and I will field the best team.

"If I ask Ibra if he feels like it, he will always tell me yes."

AC Milan are top of the Serie A table after five games as the 18-times champions target a first league title since 2011 when Ibrahimovic last played for the club.

Pioli's side won their Europa League opener 3-1 at Celtic and next travel to Sparta Prague before a home tie against French club Lille next week.

"We have a lot of games so I'm making the necessary assessments," continued Pioli.

"We have another match just two and a half days later on Sunday at midday against Udinese."

Ibrahimovic, 39, is the top scorer in Serie A with three braces in three matches played, having missed two with COVID-19.

Romanian Ciprian Tatarusanu will stand in for Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has also tested positive for coronavirus.

AC Milan are top of Europa League Group H alongside Lille. Both teams meet at the San Siro on November 5.

Meanwhile, Milan announced Wednesday that club legend Franco Baresi, a winner of three European Cups and six league titles during his 20-year playing career, has been appointed an honorary vice-president.