AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has said that the San Siro giant has signed former Swedish international, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to be “the reference point in the team’s attack.

He added that Ibrahimovic, who is making his second stint with the five-times Champions League winner, would stimulate the whole team.

With Ibrahimovic ready to embark on his second spell at Milan, having won the Serie A title during his first stint, Pioli said he “can’t wait” to coach the 38-year-old.

Speaking to told Corriere Della Sera, the former Fiorentina manager described Ibra as a warrior, a leader, and a charismatic player who has a great sense of responsibility and a great desire to win.

While noting that the former Manchester United striker will stimulate the whole team, Pioli said his contribution would be crucial.

While noting that Milan being the youngest team in the League that has encountered some limitations in terms of a competitive streak, Pioli said Ibra is the kind of player, person, and leader who can help us them fill that void that has been in the team for years

Pioli expressed gratitude to the club, the management which include Gazidis, Maldini, Boban, and Massara for bringing the former player back, adding that Ibra knows how to set up his teammates, and with his knowledge of the game, he knows how to occupy the box well, which makes him the reference point in the team’s attack.

Having spoken with Ibra, who is excited to be returning to the side on the phone, Pioli said just as he’s very fired up; he can’t wait to coach him as well.

In a related development, the Spanish giant, Barcelona, has denied that defender Jean-Clair Todibo is on the verge of joining Milan.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, a loan with a €20m option to buy had been successfully negotiated, with Todibo only needing to sign off the deal.

However, Mundo Deportivo claimed that it had been informed by Barca sources that no agreement had been reached with Milan.

The newspaper also reported that the Rossoneri are among four other clubs, which include Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, Southampton, and Watford, that have tabled offers.

AC Milan are priced at 1.60 to defeat Sampdoria, while Sampdoria are pegged at 6.17.