New AC Milan signing Strahinja Pavlovic explains how Zlatan Ibrahimovic convinced him to join Christian Pulisic & Co as Swedish icon claims defender is 'perfect' for Serie A side

Strahinja Pavlovic says AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a "fundamental" role in him joining the club.

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• Pavlovic joins AC Milan from Salzburg
• Says Ibrahimovic played key role in move
• Zlatan says Serb is the "perfect" signing

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pavlovic swapped Red Bull Salzburg for Milan last month for a fee in the region of £15 million ($18m) and now the Serbia international has spoken of his joy at joining the Serie A team. The defender says he will give "200 per cent" for the club, while Ibrahimovic stated the 23-year-old is a "perfect" signing for the Italian giants.

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  WHAT STRAHINJA PAVLOVIC AND ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC SAID

  After signing a five-year deal, the new signing said in a press conference: "Ibra[himovic] was fundamental, the more I spoke to him the more I was convinced to come here. I am an aggressive player. A three or four-man defence doesn't make much difference, I am ready to give 200 per cent every day. When you arrive at a big club like Milan, your dreams are also big."

  Ibrahimovic added: "We conceded a lot of goals last year and we tried to strengthen the defence, he was the perfect profile and we followed him for a while. He is an aggressive player and is left-footed, we only had Theo [Hernandez] who uses that foot. Strahinja plays intensely and is not afraid, you need a bit of nastiness and he is the right man for this team: I am sure he will be one of the fans' favourites."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Milan are entering a new era after appointing Paulo Fonseca as manager following the departure of Stefano Pioli earlier this summer.After failing to win a trophy last season, they will look to return silverware to the club and the influence of former player Ibrahimovic – in attracting new players – may help towards that goal.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After a successful pre-season campaign – where Milan beat Real Madrid and Manchester City, and drew with Barcelona – Milan kickstart the 2023/24 Serie A season against Torino on Saturday, August 17, at home.