Celtic boss Neil Lennon has heaped praise on AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of their Europa League clash at Celtic Park.
Ibrahimovic will lead the line for Milan as they head to Scotland to take on Celtic in the Group H curtain-raiser.
It will be the first European meeting between these two sides since 2013. The Rossoneri have won all three of their previous such contests without conceding a goal.
Stefano Pioli’s men have enjoyed a stellar start to 2020/21, winning all six of their matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan last weekend.
In fact, the resurgent Serie A giants have now won 15 out of 18 competitive fixtures post lockdown (D3), scoring over 1.5 goals on 16 of those occasions.
Ibrahimovic has been central to Milan’s upturn in results. After putting two goals past Samir Handanovic on the weekend, the Swedish superstar will be looking to maintain his predatory form on Thursday.
Well aware of Zlatan’s quality and his ability to win the games almost single-handedly, Neil Lennon has hailed the 39-year-old as one of the greatest players ever.
“He [Ibrahimovic] is still a world-class player. I think he is great, a role model to all, you know, players, professionals, young players,” Lennon told Sky Sports.
“He aspires to play at the game at the highest level for the longest time possible.”
Ibrahimovic scored against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League qualifying before skipping the fixtures against Bodo/Glimt and Rio Ave due to COVID-19.
“I think he [Ibrahimovic] has a fantastic condition, a fantastic approach to the game, and I think what he’s accomplished has been magnificent,” Lennon continued.
“He still wants to accomplish, so he’s right up there for me, you know, some of the greatest players of all time.
“What’s he has achieved in different leagues, in different clubs, and obviously for his country, he’s one-off, he is very, very special.”
Celtic go into this encounter on the back of a 2-0 home loss to arch-rivals Rangers.
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