Zlatan sets eye on a managerial role

Zlatan Ibrahimovic posing for a photo after joining AC Milan.[Photo, Courtesy]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly preparing to leave AC Milan at the end of the season, drawing an end to his remarkable playing career as he embarks on managerial pursuits.

The Swede rejoined Milan in January after leaving the club in 2012, but his second spell with the Italian giants is set to last only a matter of months.

It is understood the 38-year-old is furious about the sacking of former Chief Football Officer Zvonimir Boban, who was instrumental in bringing Ibrahimovic back to San Siro.

Italian outlet SportMediaset report that Ibrahimovic will opt against staying another year with Milan in favour of starting his managerial career.

The Rossoneri have struggled this season and find themselves seventh in Serie A, outside the European places.

Ibrahimovic was recruited in the January transfer window and has contributed three goals and one assist in eight league appearances, and a further goal the Coppa Italia.

His current tally over his two stints in Milan’s red and black stripes is 60 goals and 25 assists in 95 appearances.

But relations have soured at Milan after Boban, who played for the club between 1999 and 2001, was dismissed by CEO Ivan Gazidis after a public spat between the pair last month.

Boban and Milan legend Paolo Maldini were reportedly unhappy when Gazidis contacted former RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick about taking a role next season without consulting them.

The Croat was then sacked after conducting a public interview in which he called Gazidis’ actions "disrespectful and inelegant”, bringing his nine-month stint at Milan to an end.

And the move to dismiss Boban is likely to see Milan lose Ibrahimovic at the end of the campaign.

Should the former Manchester United striker retire, it would bring an end to a playing career in which the Swede scored over 300 goals for giant clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Ajax and many others.