AC Milan star Ibrahimovic tests positive for coronavirus 

AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tested positive for coronavirus, the Italian club said on Thursday, September 24.

Ibrahimovic, who turns 39 on October 3, has been placed in quarantine at home following the test carried out ahead of the team’s Europa League tie against Norwegian side Bodo-Glimt.

“Ibrahimovic has tested positive for the swab performed for today’s match, Milan-Bodo/Glimt,” the Serie A side said ahead of their Europa League match against the Norwegian outfit.

“We have informed the competent health authorities and the player was promptly placed in home quarantine.

“All the other swabs carried out on the team group were negative.”

AC Milan’s Brazilian defender Leo Duarte tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

“I tested negative to COVID yesterday and positive today,” said Ibrahimovic, who turns 39 in a week’s time, on Twitter.

“No symptoms what so ever. COVID had the courage to challenge me. Bad idea.”

The Swede is now self-isolating and will miss the team’s Europa League third qualifying round tie against Norwegian club Bodo-Glimt in the San Siro later Thursday.

The positive test is a blow for Ibrahimovic who has been in stunning form despite his advancing years.

He scored a double in Milan’s Serie A opener against Bologna on Monday having also netted against Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League.

Ibrahimovic will also miss any potential Europa League play-offs and the next two Serie A games against Crotone and Spezia. 

The Swede will most likely be available again after the international break for the Milan derby against city rivals Inter on October 17.

Milan recruited the forward in January on a six-month contract after leaving Los Angeles Galaxy, on a deal worth 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) with the option for an additional season.

The former Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona player had a big impact, scoring 11 goals in 20 games.

Last month he reached an agreement on a new deal for another season reportedly worth 7 million euros ($8.3m).

“I think that we can all see that Ibra has played an important part in our season and our growth,” AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis said of last season.

The seven-time European champions moved up from 11th on his arrival to sixth, finishing the league season on a 12-game unbeaten run.

Ibrahimovic is in his second spell at Milan after also helping them to the most recent of their 18 Serie A titles in 2011. 

He also won 3 league titles with Inter and two with Juventus which were both revoked because of the ‘Calciopoli’ match-fixing scandal. – Rappler.com