Ibrahimovic: 'I’m like Benjamin Button, I was born old and I die young'

While adamant his 20-year-old self would score more goals, Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists age has the opposite effect on him.

Age is nothing but a number for Zlatan, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in October. He continues to register numbers for AC Milan that one would expect from a much younger man and doesn’t seem fazed at all.

The flamboyant Swede was merciless against Bologna on Monday night’s Serie A opener for Milan. He broke the deadlock at the San Siro with a superb header before sealing victory through a thunderous penalty.

Although Ibrahimovic was unlucky not to become of the oldest hat-trick scorer in Serie A history by hitting the ball over the goal after he rounded Bologna keeper Lukasz Skorupski.

Speaking after Milan’s 2-0 win, the 38-year-old told Sky Sport Italia: “I’m fine, I’m working, this is the second official match.

“We won, I could have scored more goals. If I was 20, I would have scored another two. I’m like Benjamin Button, I was born old and I die young.”

Benjamin Button pic.twitter.com/RtYq2TH0Wr

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) September 21, 2020

Ibrahimovic was also on target in Milan’s 2-0 win away to Shamrock Rovers in Ireland for a Europa League qualifier last week. Thus, he’s scored 14 goals in 22 appearances since returning to the club last January.

Next up for Stefano Pioli’s side will be another Europa League qualifier against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday before they head to Crotone three days later.

“We are not yet at 100 percent, we still made some mistakes that we usually wouldn’t,” continued Zlatan.

“Today it was important to win the first game and start well. Our goal is to do better than last year.

“The young players are doing well; they work, they listen, they have discipline, they know that you have to suffer, work, and be focused every day.

“This year we have to think one game at a time and do well, play confidently and play every game like a final. The goal is to stay high in the table.

“I like to have responsibility. The biggest pressure comes from myself. I don’t want anyone to talk about my age, I want everyone to be judged on the same level – I don’t want any favors because I’m 38.”