Thiago Silva: 'Zlatan Ibrahimovic is our weapon'

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has claimed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will determine the outcome of the Serie A title race this season.

Ibrahimovic, 30, has missed the last three league games for the Italian club through suspension, but will return for this weekend's trip to Palermo.

"Ibra is our extra weapon. He's 50% of our squad. After the three-game ban, he will return even stronger than before," Silva told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We need Ibra's determination, grit, his goals and his hunger. He's unique in Italy and in the world."

Silva is closing in on 100 appearances for the Rossoneri.