Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores on AC Milan debut in friendly hours after vowing he’s ‘not here as a mascot’ following return

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC instantly got off the mark for AC Milan just hours after sealing his return to the Serie A giants.

The Swedish legend, 38, headed back to the San Siro following eight years away after agreeing a six-month deal worth £3m.

Despite his veteran status the striker vowed not just to act as a mascot and promised supporters he had never felt “more alive”.

And he quickly got about proving that as he found the back of the net in the first outing of his second spell.

Ex-Man United and PSG ace Ibrahimovic scored one and created another as they thrashed sixth-tier Italian club Rhodense 9-0 last night.

The forward played for Milan between 2010 and 2012 and helped them to clinch their last Serie A title.

And the club’s fans seemed delighted to welcome him back as hundreds waited outside the Casa Milan HQ to greet him as he held aloft the No.21 jersey.

Ibrahimovic, who left LA Galaxy in November after 52 goals in 56 games, was replaced by Krzysztof Piatek at the break against Rhodense.

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Milan manager Stefano Pioli fielded a strong XI in the first half, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Theo Hernandez and Giacomo Bonaventura among the stars on show along with their new signing.

He changed the entire 11 at the break, however the brief 45 cameo showed Ibrahimovic does not appear to be lacking any match sharpness.

Now he could be in line for his first league appearance against Sampdoria on Monday at the San Siro.