Zlatan continues recovery from knee op as he slow-walks in swimming pool

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC took to the swimming pool as he continues his slow road to recovery from knee surgery.

The AC Milan striker, 40, is expected to be out for eight months after going under the knife last month.

But Ibrahimovic is determined to return to action after adding the 34th trophy of his career to his collection with the Serie A title.

The Swede is still in the early stages of recovery and took tentative steps in the pool as he attempts to build strength in his left knee.

The former Man Utd star even needed a noodle float under his arms to help keep him upright as he waded slowly into deeper water.

Ibrahimovic shared footage of the exercise on his Instagram stories alongside a caption which reads: "Step by step. Day by day."

The veteran is facing a long process to repair his knee after he played without an ACL for six months in the second half of the season.

The superstar got through the campaign by draining the fluid on his knee once a week to reduce swelling and soreness.

He also revealed he barely slept due to the pain but he achieved his goal of winning the Scudetto - sparking speculation he could hang up his boots.

He made 23 league appearances for Milan on the way to their title, chipping in eight goals and three assists.

He has played senior football regularly since 1999 when he came through at Malmo.

Ibrahimovic's contract expires at the end of the month but there was talk a few weeks ago he would renew with the striker excited by the project at the club.

He said: “I'm feeling really well at AC Milan and I'm positive about renewing my contract.

"This is the atmosphere we've created and that's why we are successful. I want to continue at Milan. The project is exciting."