Pioli: “Zlatan does what he likes.”

Ahead of

Sunday clash against

, their manager

Stefano Pioli

has confirmed that

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

will not be available for that match, although he remains impressed by the player’s enthusiasm and his passion for football that has kept him in the game so far and says that the Swedish star seems like a player who can play forever as he will be 41 soon.

"I don't know how many years Zlatan can still play. But from what I see, his enthusiasm and his desire to train, I could also say that he could play forever,"

Pioli said at a news conference on Saturday previewing the Atalanta match.

"He may not be 100 per cent for many games but his passion for this sport is incredible. Zlatan does what he likes. If I could give him a gift, I would extend his career as much as possible.

"Zlatan is not available for the game, but he is feeling better and will use the two-week break to recover."

Pioli has also talked about their Sunday match against Atalanta, admitting that he is expecting a tough game as he knows that the opposition is a good team that has proved themselves in big games like the one against Inter.

"They are a strong team in every way, tactically, technically and physically. I expect a determined and complete Atalanta,"

Pioli said

.

"I watched their game against Inter and it was spectacular. We have played many games of late but the same is true of our opponents. We will just try to play our best game."

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