Robinho: 'Zlatan doesn't surprise me'

Robinho recalls his ‘four wonderful years’ at Milan and says he’s ‘not surprised’ to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic having an impact at 39.

The 36-year-old Brazilian returned to his homeland this month and will continue to play for Santos FC after having moved on a free transfer from Turkish Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir.

The former Manchester City and Real Madrid star arrived at Milan in August 2010, where he was a part of Max Allegri’s successful side, winning the Scudetto in his first season at San Siro.

“They were four wonderful years, I scored over 30 goals, we won an unforgettable Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana,” Robinho told Tuttomercatoweb.

“That was really a great Milan, a top club in the world and I was lucky enough to play with many champions.

“[Alex] Pato, [Gennaro] Gattuso, [Clarence] Seedorf, [Andrea] Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, [Filippo] Inzaghi, Kaka, Ibrahimovic…”

And the latter is still around, helping Milan to sixth in Serie A last term, as the Rossoneri finished the campaign on an unbeaten run of 12 games.

The Diavolo have continued to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to 19 games and Robinho is ‘not surprised’ of the veteran’s impact.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. Ibra has always been an exemplary professional,” the Brazilian said. “He lives for football.

“At Milan, I had the privilege to play and train with him, seeing him keep the team’s level high every day.

“It was an honour for me and honestly, I’m not surprised that at almost 40 years of age, he is still a phenomenon.

“The young talents of the new Rossoneri have an absolute need for the advice and experience, as well as the character, of a champion like Zlatan.”