Ibrahimovic launches fundraiser to 'kick coronavirus away'

AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up an online fundraiser on Wednesday to help hospitals at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy, with the target of raising 1 million euros ($1.09 million).

“Italy has always given me so much and, in this dramatic moment, I want to give back even more to this country that I love,” said Ibrahimovic in a video message to launch the fundraiser.

The former Sweden international added that he was counting “on the generosity of my colleagues, of all professional athletes and of those who want to make a small or large donation according to their possibilities, to kick this virus away.”

According to the website accepting donations, Ibrahimovic donated 100,000 euros ($109,000) to the fund.

It quickly raised a further 15,700 euros ($17,100).

Italy has been the second hardest hit country with more than 31,500 cases of the virus and 2,503 deaths.

The 38-year-old Ibrahimovic rejoined Milan in January from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

He also played for Italian clubs Inter Milan and Juventus.