AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he relishes coming up against former club Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, and is spurred on by heckles from Nerazzurri fans.

The Swedish attacker enjoyed great success with Inter from 2006 until 2009, before returning to Serie A with Milan in 2010 and remaining until 2012, before joining the Rossoneri once more in 2020.

In an interview with AC Milan’s inhouse tv channel, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, the 41-year-old revealed what it was like to cross the divide of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, including the frenzy before the derby matches and the reception he receives from Inter fans.

“Before the derbies there are many rumors, the media talk a lot, then there are the interviews with former Milan and Inter players,” Ibrahimovic said.

“When you enter the pitch they boo you, but it’s a moment that I enjoy, because I feel alive.

“Over there nobody stops me. The more they boo me, the better, and I prefer boos to applause because they give me more energy.”

The former Juventus and Barcelona striker also looked back on his lengthy career and argued that he had always had to fight for everything that he had achieved, whilst revealing the joy of scoring against Inter in particular.

“Throughout my career the environment has always been against me, not in favour,” he continued.

“If I can score a goal or get a win, it’s the best feeling there is. That’s why playing against Inter is a good feeling.

“Obviously it’s a different match from others, but you mustn’t lose balance. It requires concentration and to do what you usually do, without losing balance or getting too excited.”

Ibrahimovic made 117 appearances for Inter and scored 66 goals, helping the Nerazzurri to the Serie A title in all three of his seasons with the club.