AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli was full of praise for Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his double in their 4-0 defeat of Crotone.

Ibrahimovic netted his 500th and 501st goals at club level.

“Seeing how Ibra trains, we can't be surprised, because he's a champion. It's difficult to maintain his current form, as when he's been in shape and started, he almost always scored two goals, but this is what he's like," Pioli told Sky Italia.

When he was substituted, Ibrahimovic made a gesture towards the directors in the stands that means 'two, go again.' Was it a message about his contract extension talks?

“Zlatan is happy with us and I think the best thing about this team is that the players are happy. We are with a huge club, everyone wants to do well and I think it's right that he continues playing, and that he does it with us.

“He is an athlete who is highly motivated, is scrupulous in the way he looks after his body with everything from diet to recovery. He's tired, but you don't stay at this level for this long without looking after yourself.

“It's almost a race nowadays between the players to get to training early and leave later than anyone else. We're enjoying ourselves and want to give our best."