The Swedish superstar considered a move again to England however settled on familiarity at the San Siro.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic held transfer talks with Leeds United before opting for a move back to Serie A with AC Milan , in accordance to the Championship club’s owner Andrea Radrizzani.
The 38-year-old became available after deciding to leave MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of their season and ultimately signed a six-month deal with AC Milan – including an option to prolong by a year.
Ibrahimovic’s future was unsure for almost two months before deciding on his Italy return, with Radrizzani revealing he had discussions with the former Manchester United star to convey him back to England to spearhead Leeds’ push for Premier League promotion.
The Italian owner additionally mentioned the club making a play for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani – who decided to remain in the French capital.
“I spoke with Zlatan Ibrahimovic more concretely”, Radrizzani told Sky in Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio.
“He could have given us that decisive push however he decided to go to AC Milan. He has been very honest and transparent with me.
“We want to be rational and coherent with the approach of both coach and team. I did not even communicate with [coach] Marcelo Bielsa about Cavani and Ibrahimovic due to the fact we in no way got to the stage that we may want to take a seat down and discuss about them.”
After winning seven games in a row throughout November and December last year, Leeds hit a stumbling block in their charge for Premier League promotion, solely getting the victory in two of their next 12 matches.
The club targeted a striker throughout the January transfer window to assist Patrick Bamford up top as the poor run of form looked to derail their season.
After discussions with Ibrahimovic and Cavani fell through, the Whites signed France under-21 international striker Jean-Kevin Augustin on loan from Leipzig and Manchester City winger Ian Poveda to bolster their attack.
Leeds won six successive games through February and March to be sitting top of the Championship table – one point clear of West Bromwich and seven in advance of third-placed Fulham.
The Championship, alongside with the Premier League, is currently suspended till April 30 because of the coronavirus pandemic – even though it appears unlikely to return by this date.
