‘You are not Zlatan’ says Ibrahimovic in pro-mask video

ROME: Football superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has leant his weight to a campaign promoting respect for distancing rules and wearing a mask, telling fans not to “challenge the virus” in a video released on Thursday by the Lombardy region.

The former Sweden striker, who plays for AC Milan, tested positive for Covid-19 a few weeks ago but has now recovered and is back playing in Serie A where he is the top goal scorer.

“The virus challenged me and I defeated it,” he says in Italian.

“But you are not Zlatan. Do not challenge the virus. Use your head, respect the rules. Social distancing and masks, always. We will win.”

The video, filmed on a terrace overlooking Milan, closes with Ibrahimovic donning a mask.

Lombardy president Attilio Fontana said he had the idea to enlist Ibrahimovic on the night of the derby between the two Milan clubs when the 39-year-old scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Inter.

Like its European neighbours, Italy, one of the countries most affected by the pandemic, has suffered a sharp increase in cases in recent weeks.