Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he told AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu to take his gloves off while making his debut for the club.
The former Swede international has been instrumental to the club’s revival since he joined from MLS side LA Galaxy in 2019 and has scored 10 goals this campaign, while only playing seven games.
The 39-year-old, who is revered by his team mates at Milan has undoubtedly assumed the role of a leader which has helped the club maintain an inspiring form this season.
Kalulu joined Milan in the summer and made his first senior appearance during the Europa League in December.
The 20-year-old wanted to wear gloves on a chilly evening against Sparta Prague and Ibrahimovic objected in a big way.
He told CorSport per SoccerLaduma: “Some weeks ago, Pierre Kalulu made his debut with AC Milan and he was wearing gloves.
“I told him to take them off! How does a young centre-back look making his debut with gloves?
“For sure he’s not going to scare the striker.”
Despite seeming harsh, Ibrahimovic’s instructions seem to have worked. Milan kept a clean sheet and went on to win the game 1-0.
Kalulu has since made seven more appearances for the Rossoneri, who are currently top of Serie A.
The former Juventus man continued: “I’ll decide my future at the end of the season with AC Milan. As long as I feel good on the pitch, I keep playing.”
Milan advanced to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Tuesday evening after defeating Torino 5-4 on penalties.
Ironically, Kalulu was named man of the match by Milan’s official website.
Manager Stefano Pioli told Rai Sport: “I can only be satisfied with the performance of the boys. It was the fourth game in 9 days and there was no lack of spirit and intensity.
“It is a pity we did not win the game in the 90 minutes. We still showed quality because even scoring 5 penalties is not random.
“We believe in our qualities. We always think positively during matches. Staying in the game means being focused and believing in our abilities. This is proving us right because the matches are difficult and complicated.
“Our youth sector has quality and it must be like this because we are Milan. It is a sector of perspective. It is good that when there is the possibility our young people will be ready.”
