Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave a very passionate speech following AC Milan’s victory over Sassuolo to be crowned as Serie A champions for the first time in 11 years.

The Swede, who rejoined Milan in 2020 for his second spell, has been a pivotal figure behind Milan’s resurgence. With 33 goals in 60 games, the 60-year old former Juventus and Barcelona striker carried Milan for large chunks of the last couple of years. This season, though, his role in the club was a bit marginalized.

But even so, his presence in the dressing room, and when on the pitch was a catalyst to inspire. His influence in the dressing room became even more palpable after a video of him congratulating his teammates became viral.

[Official] Ibra’s speech in the locker room after the match
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“Guys, from day one, when I(Zlatan Ibrahimović) arrived, and then the others arrived afterwards, very few believed in us. But when we understood that we needed to make sacrifices, suffer, work, and believe. When this happened we became a group. As a group you can achieve the things that we have achieved. Now, we’re the Champions of Italy.”

“It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve been a real group this season. At the beginning of the season no one believed in us, but through these principles we became stronger.”

“I’m very proud of all you. Now do me a favor and celebrate like champions. Because it’s not Milan that belongs to AC Milan; Italy belongs to AC Milan!”

This is Ibrahimovic’s 34 title in a very illustrious career, with the Serie A title being his 7th in Italy. He has previously won the league for Juventus, Inter Milan, and one with AC Milan in his previous tenure. The 121-cap Swede has also won league titles in Spain with Barcelona, and in France with current Champions PSG.