Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to Milan camp after months away amid Allegri dispute

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reappeared within the Milan set-up after several months away, accompanying the squad ahead of their Europa League opener against Benfica.

The Swedish former striker’s return comes after a reported disagreement with Massimiliano Allegri in March, which saw him step back from the club and disappear from the team’s immediate environment for an extended period.

Milan are preparing for their first Europa League match of the season in improved spirits after securing a hard-fought draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. The result was viewed by the coaching staff and players as being comparable to a victory given the circumstances of the game.

Ibrahimovic’s presence close to the squad during training was a familiar sight for Milan supporters and suggested that his relationship with the club may be returning to normal.

Since announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022-2023 season, Ibrahimovic has remained linked to Milan in a different capacity. He worked as an adviser to the club’s management and to RedBird, Milan’s owner, as part of an administrative and consultancy role.

However, that relationship became strained in the period that followed. Italian reports said Ibrahimovic and Allegri fell out in March, prompting the Swede to distance himself from the team for several months.

The dispute came during a difficult period for Milan. Allegri’s tenure eventually ended, while several members of the club’s sporting management also departed after a disappointing campaign. Milan slipped from competing for the Serie A title to failing to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

With Allegri and other officials gone, Ibrahimovic’s position at the club became uncertain. His prolonged absence from the team environment further fuelled doubts about whether he still had a role at Milan.

He later appeared in a different capacity during the World Cup, working as an analyst for Fox Sports. That move strengthened the impression among some Milan supporters that his association with the club could be coming to an end.

His absence extended beyond matches and training sessions. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ibrahimovic did not attend a ceremony honouring Milan great Franco Baresi, an omission that appeared at the time to underline his distance from the club.

Following a summer in which Milan reorganised several areas, Ibrahimovic now appears to be rebuilding his presence around the team. His return suggests he wants to remain close to the squad and follow its daily affairs more directly.

Joining the players before the Benfica match represents the first clear step in that direction. It also points to the possibility that the previous tensions are being put aside, although the exact nature and extent of Ibrahimovic’s future responsibilities have yet to be established.

After months away from the club’s immediate surroundings, Ibrahimovic appears ready to begin a new chapter with Milan and resume a role close to the team.