Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out in support of struggling AC Milan forward Charles De Ketelaere. As reported by Voetbalkrant, the Swedish legend has compared the situation the young Belgian finds himself in to one that he also experienced early in his career.
Ibrahimovic said ‘I recognise myself in him. I recognise myself when I took my first steps outside Sweden. It took me a year. It’s hard to be away from your country and your family. He has to get used to it. I help him settle in in the dressing room. He needs one reference match and once he does, he will be unstoppable. If he keeps listening to the coach, this will be all right‘,
Former Club Brugge academy product De Ketelaere joined Milan in the summer after a number of strong seasons in blue and black. The 21-year-old Belgian international played 120 times for Club Brugge, scoring 26 goals. Last season he was the sides best player as they won a third successive title. Playing in a more central striking role, De Ketelaere scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in the league.
Unfortunately, the high price tag seems to be weighing heavily on the players shoulders. He has yet to score for Milan but has provided one assist. There is still plenty of time for De Ketelaere to make his move to Milan a success, given his age, and it may be next season after adapting to the Italian league that we see a return to his Club Brugge form.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
