Ibrahimovic makes Sanremo Festival debut

Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his debut as a co-presenter at the Sanremo Music Festival, employing the ‘arrogant bad guy’ routine to comic effect.

The forward walked down the steps with a huge stylised silver ‘Ibra’ on the lapel of his black suit.

He engaged in some comedy banter with presenter and musical director Amadeus, who is also a committed Inter supporter.

“It is an honour to be here, but also an honour for you to have me here,” Ibrahimovic told Amadeus.

“Normally I feel big, powerful, but here I feel small. Still bigger and more powerful than you, though.”

Zlatan then joked that he was taking over as director of the festival and setting the rules.

“First of all, there will be 22 singers in the competition, 11 against 11, otherwise it’s not right. Seeing as there are 26, sell four of the singers, I hear Liverpool are looking for players. If not, put them in the garden and I’ll get them working.

“The second rule is about the stage. It’s too small, made for small people like you. I need the stage to be 105 metres by 68 metres, like the pitch at San Siro.

“No stress, don’t worry, as long as Zlatan is here, everything will be fine. Zlatan’s Festival lasts 90 minutes plus stoppages.

“I have been the best on this stage. Not just tonight, but of all time.”

There had been controversy over Milan allowing their star striker and top scorer to be a presenter at a music festival during a crucial period of the season.

Fate managed to resolve the issue, as Ibrahimovic picked up an injury during the 2-1 win over Roma on Sunday and will be out of action for a couple of weeks.