Zlatan Ibrahimović, AC Milan’s legendary striker and now a presidential advisor, has shared his thoughts on the performance of new signing Santiago Jiménez after the Rossoneri’s 1-0 victory over Verona in Serie A’s 25th round. The young Mexican forward scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, instantly endearing himself to Milan supporters and confirming why the club placed faith in his abilities.
“I expected him to do this because he’s a player who loves scoring goals, and in this team the balls come into the penalty area, and you have to be ready to score them. It’s true that it’s not easy for a foreign player to come to Italy and immediately succeed. But it’s also our responsibility to help him and put him in a position to do the right things,” Ibrahimović told Sky Sport Italia.
For a newcomer in Serie A, adapting to the physicality, tactical demands, and pressure of Italian football can often be overwhelming. Yet Santiago Jiménez has already demonstrated that he has the instinct and mentality to thrive at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Mexican striker’s winning goal against Verona wasn’t just about being in the right place at the right time — it was about movement, anticipation, and finishing ability. Jiménez read the build-up play perfectly, found space in a crowded box, and delivered with composure when it mattered most.
Since his arrival, Milan fans have been eager to see how he would fit into Stefano Pioli’s system. The 1-0 victory showed glimpses of the forward’s potential role in this team: a natural finisher who can exploit service from the wings, make intelligent runs behind defenders, and relieve some of the scoring burden from other attackers.
At just 23, Jiménez is also at the perfect stage of his career to grow alongside Milan’s young squad. His confidence, boosted by the trust of club icons like Ibrahimović, will be key in his development as he settles into Serie A.Zlatan Ibrahimović’s words carry weight not only because of his legendary status as one of football’s great strikers but also because of his new role as a mentor and advisor within AC Milan’s structure. Known for his fiery personality and uncompromising standards, Ibrahimović has shifted his influence from the pitch to the boardroom while maintaining his close ties to the players.
His comments about Jiménez reflect an understanding of the challenges foreign players face when moving to Italy. Serie A is unique in its tactical rigor, and many forwards need time to adjust to the defensive discipline of Italian teams. Ibrahimović’s recognition of this difficulty, coupled with his assertion that the club must “help him and put him in a position to do the right things,” highlights Milan’s responsibility to integrate their new signing effectively. For Jiménez, having someone like Ibrahimović as both a role model and a supporter could prove invaluable. The Swede knows what it takes to succeed in Italy — he thrived in Serie A across two separate stints, scoring decisive goals and leaving an unforgettable legacy at Milan. Now, his mentorship could accelerate Jiménez’s adaptation and confidence in front of goal.
The victory over Verona was more than just three points; it was a signal that Santiago Jiménez has the tools to become a key figure in Milan’s attack. With Ibrahimović’s public support, the Mexican striker will likely gain both confidence and patience from the fans, who are eager to see him replicate his goal-scoring exploits from previous seasons in Italy’s top flight.
Milan are in the midst of rebuilding their identity as a competitive force in Serie A and Europe. Young talents such as Rafael Leão, Tijjani Reijnders, and Noah Okafor are central to this vision, and Jiménez could soon join that list of essential contributors. His knack for scoring goals could give Milan the edge in tightly contested matches, where a single strike often determines the outcome. Moreover, Ibrahimović’s comments underline that Jiménez will not be left to figure things out on his own. The club’s infrastructure, coaching staff, and senior players are committed to guiding him through the transition. This collective effort could ensure that Milan’s investment in Jiménez pays dividends not just in the short term but also in shaping the team’s long-term future.
