Zlatan scolded me for being overweight, says Theo Hernandez

The big Swede expects only the very best from his AC Milan teammates, something Hernandez found out the hard way.

Theo Hernandez has opened up on how Zlatan Ibrahimovic has encouraged his AC Milan teammates to be better, even going as far as to criticize them when needed.

Hernandez has been a key player for Stefano Pioli’s side this season. The left-back has made 33 appearances in all competitions and helped the club challenge for the Serie A title alongside Inter Milan and Juventus.

And keeping Theo honest is Zlatan, who scolded him for reporting back to Milan from a vacation with extra weight.

“He gave us courage, gives us lots of advice and sometimes even scolds us – but always to motivate us,” Hernandez told Sportweek.

“When I came back from vacation, he told me: ‘Where are you going with 90 kilos here?’ I was a bit fatter…

“But he also told me that I am strong and that I have to become the best, but that I have to work hard.

“We follow him, and in training we give everything, always. All together. It has been an incredible year, we are having an incredible year. And the credit belongs to everyone.”