Ibrahimovic explains why Milan signed Joao Felix from Chelsea: ‘Decided in five minutes’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that the conversation among the decision makers at Milan over the opportunity to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea lasted ‘five minutes’, and has explained why the Rossoneri ‘need’ two full teams available to coach Sergio Conceicao.

Ibrahimovic sat down alongside Joao Felix for his introductory press conference in Milan on Monday.

The Portugal international moved to San Siro on a straight loan deal, which does not include an option to buy. However, after a goal off the bench on his first appearance for the Rossoneri, there have already been suggestions that Milan are looking to extend Joao Felix’s stay beyond the summer.

“He’s already introduced himself with a magical goal, but we’re here to welcome Joao Felix today,” Ibrahimovic told the press on Monday, reported via TMW.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Joao Felix of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He was the last signing of the transfer window, he is a great talent, he has a lot of experience but he is still young and can still grow. We looked for a player to link the midfield and attack for ‘blocked’ matches against closed-off teams. He can make the difference.”

Why Milan decided to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea

As well as Joao Felix’s arrival, Milan also brought in Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord on deadline day, as well as Riccardo Sottil from Fiorentina and Warren Bondo from Monza, on top of the earlier arrival of Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

“When we went into this window, we tried to provide the coach with two teams,” Ibrahimovic explained. “We play a lot, we need alternatives. The coach has a lot of options now. If they defend, they can all play together. We need balance, in attack and defence.

Joao Felix celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Santiago Gimenez during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 05, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The important thing is to have given the coach two teams and lots of alternative options. It’s up to him to decide who to play, nobody has a guaranteed place on the pitch. We hope that Joao can also become a legend in Milan.”

Ibrahimovic went on to reveal that there was no need for much discussion when it became apparent that a deal for Joao Felix was on the cards.

“When his name came out, we talked about it. Then after five minutes, we decided we were done. Conceicao wanted him a lot. He knows him well, he’s a friend of his son’s.

“After we decided to take a punt on him, things went well, the negotiation went quickly.”