Returns don't always have to be bad Football Ibrahimovic set for second spell with AC Milan

They say sequels are never as good as the originals, with the odd exception like the Godfather II, yet with Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning to AC Milan, there have been several examples in football which prove returns don't always have to go poorly.

Ibrahimovic represented the Rossoneri in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons after his less than exceptional year in Barcelona, and he won Serie A once.

Over the course of the two seasons in Milan, he scored 56 goals in 85 matches which left an indelible mark on the club, and this is partly why they have been so keen to re-sign him, despite being 38 years old.

His career with LA Galaxy was impressive, although it remains to be seen whether he can return to the high level that European football demands.

He has signed a contract for an initial six months with the option for an additional season after that, yet he will look to the experiences of Diego Costa, Jesus Navas, Fernando Torres, Iago Aspas, Santi Cazorla, Joaquin, Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez to prove that sequels don't always disappoint.

Iago Aspas, the prince of Celta Vigo

After four brilliant years in the first team after graduating from the club's academy, Aspas left for Liverpool, believing it to be the next step in his career. He never quite found his form on Merseyside, scoring just one solitary goal and returned home to Celta Vigo in 2015. This return was spectacular as he found a vibrant connection with teammates, and he has been a key player ever since.

Torres, the idol of the Calderon and the Wanda

El Nino returned to Atletico in 2016 after a wonderful spell with Liverpool and two disjointed periods at Chelsea and AC Milan. In 2007 he left his hometown an idol of supporters, and when he returned that respect hadn't gone anywhere. He scored important goals and won the Europa League in 2018.

Cazorla, bouncing back

After being launched into the conscious of the watching world during his time with Villarreal under Manuel Pellegrini, it seemed like fate when the Spanish club handed the midfielder a chance to rebuild his career after a devastating achilles injury. Having missed 21 months of football at Arsenal, in which he underwent eight surgeries, a bone infection and a skin graft, he represented Villarreal in July 2018. He has since rediscovered his form and was rewarded with a recall to the Spanish national team.

Navas, a return home in a new position

The notoriously homesick Jesus Navas stunned everyone when he left Sevilla for Manchester City, especially after having turned down a more lucrative move to Chelsea years earlier. He won the Premier League in his time in England, but developed a knowledge of a new position, wing-back. Since returning to Andalusia, Navas has played some of the finest football of his career as a defender, even being called up to the national team.

Diego Costa, Simeone's great desire

Diego Simeone lobbied and lobbied for Atleti to re-sign Diego Costa, and after a spell with Chelsea he finally returned to the Spanish capital. In his first two seasons with Simeone, he scored 56 goals in 95 matches and since returning he has proven to be a vital piece in the Argentine's team.

Joaquin, the eternal legend

Arguably one of the greatest players to ever come through Real Betis, Joaquin is extending his senior career far beyond what anyone thought possible for a player who in his youth was so reliant on pace. Time with Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina came in-between his two periods with the Seville club, and he was determined to end his career with his team. He continues to show his incredible footballing gifts, even as he approaches his 40th birthday.

Drogba, the Stamford Bridge hero

Didier Drogba arrived as one of the very first signings of the Jose Mourinho era at Chelsea back in 2004, so it seemed somewhat fitting that he would bring to an end his first spell with the club by scoring the penalty kick which handed Chelsea their coveted Champions League trophy. He spent two years away from Stamford Bridge before making his iconic return, and he once again scored important goals as the Blues won another Premier League title. He was given a farewell fit for a legend at Stamford Bridge, as his teammates carried him off the pitch.

Tevez, Boca Juniors' marauder

Carlos Tevez initially left Boca Juniors for Corinthians in search of Copa Libertadores glory, yet this was the first step on a journey which took him to West Ham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus. Incredible performances at each and every one of those clubs followed, before he returned home to La Bombonera in 2015. He succeeded with the Argentine club once again, earning himself a lucrative move to China, before returning back to his home club for a third spell in 2018.