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Zlatan presence led new AC Milan signing Roback to pass up Arsenal move

New AC Milan arrival Emil Roback has revealed that he was close to a move to Arsenal, but that he was ultimately swayed by the chance to share a pitch with the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Roback, 17, received his first taste of action for his new club on Wednesday following a €1.5 million transfer from Hammarby, coming off the bench in Milan's 4-2 friendly victory over Novara.

A host of big European clubs were interested in his signature before signing for Milan, but Roback admits that the presence of his fellow Swede, a national idol, tipped the balance in the Rossoneri's favour.