Sergej Milinkovic-Savic speaks about his fondness for LA Galaxy star

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic Savic has admitted his fondness for LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Serbian played in a completely different position when compared to the former Manchester United man but they have been regularly likened to each other in terms of the physical attribute and playing style.

Speaking to DAZN, he said: “I like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic a lot. I've been following him for years now. I like him as a player and as a person.[The comparison] might be because I’m as tall as him and because of his technique. I have a similar jumping style to him as well, so I like him because of all those aspects.”

Milinkovic-Savic was heavily touted to make the switch away from Lazio last summer with reports indicating that offers of more than £130m could come forward for his services. However, the Serbian has indicated that he was never in doubt of parting ways with the Serie A side and remains committed to them for the moment, he said: “I already knew in those final days that I would stay here at Lazio. I was already fully concentrated on this team.”

The Serbian played in an advanced midfield position during the previous campaign and this contributed to an impressive tally of 14 goals and eight assists for Lazio across all competitions. He has not been able to replicate the showing this term with just five goals and three assists, but that has largely come about from him occupying a defensive midfield role with Luis Alberto playing as the more advanced of the midfielders.

Lazio have recently dropped off in the race for the top four with three defeats from the past five matches. They are currently four points behind fourth-placed AC Milan with five matches to play and they require a huge turnaround to have any chance of making the Champions League places. They are three other teams contesting for the top four, who are ahead of eight-placed Lazio.