Revealed: The 'fundamental' role Zlatan Ibrahimovic played in Alvaro Morata transfer to AC Milan as Spain striker prepares to join Christian Pulisic & Co from Atletico Madrid

On Tuesday, the Spain international confirmed he was going to sign for Milan after completing his second spell at Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old has reportedly passed his medical, with the forward saying he "can't wait" to play for the Italian giants. Now, Furlani has lifted the lid on how Rossoneri icon Ibrahimovic - who is an advisor at the club - and new manager Fonseca helped convince the ex-Juventus man to join them.

He told Sky Italia: “Alvaro has expressed his desire [to sign for Milan]. Now, we have to complete the formalities. He is a great champion, and by talking to him, you understand why he was named the captain of Spain. He is confident, but now he deserves to go on holiday.

"Zlatan and Fonseca were fundamental to convincing him [to join Milan]. Ibrahimovic knows what it means to be the Milan striker, and Fonseca explained how important he will be in the project.”

Milan are beginning a new era, following the appointment of Fonseca as manager and the impending arrival of Morata and more. After finishing 19 points behind bitter rivals Inter in Serie A last season, on top of having a trophyless campaign, they will want to usurp the Nerazzurri in 2024-25.

Morata is off on his holidays now after captaining Spain to Euro 2024 glory at the weekend. The former Chelsea man is reportedly set to sign for £10.96 million ($14.2m) on a four-year deal.

He said on the transfer this week: “I’m going to undergo a medical and then yes, I will join AC Milan. It’s better to part ways when you can’t give 100% anymore. I have said goodbye to my team-mates, Diego Simeone, and the board. It was important for me to greet my team-mates and thank them for everything."