Champions League no longer an obsession for Ibra

Ahead of Arsenal’s visit to the San Siro on Wednesday night, AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed that the biggest prize in European football no longer obsesses him.

Wenger’s men travel to Milan for the first leg of the round of 16 to face Serie A’s defending champions hoping for a repeat of 2008, when goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emanuel Adebayor saw the Gunners prevail 2-0, knocking the holders out in the process

It was a different Arsenal then, and a different Milan as well.

In four years the Rossoneri have changed, out have gone Kaka and Pirlo – while club legend Maldini hung up his boots – in have come Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Boateng and Maxi Lopez.

The Swedish striker played a pivotal in Milan’s successful quest for the Scudetto last year – their first in seven years – and he’s determined to transfer domestic glory onto the European stage.

“A few years ago it was my only target, that was the only reason I played for,” said Ibrahimovic, speaking of the Champions League.

“I think I’ve grown up now, and I don’t put as much pressure on it as I used to,” continued the temperamental Swede.

“I’m focused to win everything, not just the Champions League.”

To do so Milan must first overcome Arsenal and Ibrahimovic knows it won’t be easy, given that the Rossoneri have been knocked out at this stage for the last four seasons, in each occasion by an English team.

“You don’t win because you’re the best player around, you win because you’re in the best team,

“Football is not about individuals, it’s a team sport,” continued the 2010 Treble winner with Inter.

Maybe, he’s really grown up.

Daniele Cancian @MUFC_dan87

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