Chelsea transfers: Jose Mourinho hints at Zlatan Ibrahimovic bid

Jose Mourinho has left the door open for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join Chelsea this summer by insisting that it would be “a pity” if the striker retired without having played in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old Sweden international said earlier on Tuesday that he had no intention of moving to an English club ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

It is a pity if he finishes his career and hasn’t played in the best league the world

Jose Mourinho

However, Mourinho hinted at an interest in bringing the striker to Stamford Bridge at his pre-match news conference.

“It is a pity for Ibrahimovic if he finishes his career and hasn’t played in the best league the world,” said Mourinho.

“However, his career is so full of success that he’s one of the greatest players even if he didn’t play in the Premier League.”

Mourinho added: “Ibrahimovic has a big self-esteem and to be his coach was fantastic, but now he wants to win tomorrow and I want to win.”

Earlier, Ibrahimovic appeared to rule out the possibility of joining an English club.

“I think, first of all, it’s impossible to get me to England,” said Ibrahimovic. “If you ask the people behind this project, I don’t think they’d let me go.

“I have respect for the Premier League, a great competition with good individual players and I haven’t been part of it… I’ve made stories in other countries. It’s nothing that I regret.

“This is my last contract in Europe, so to win it I have to win the Champions League with Paris. The day I leave Paris, I either go down a level or quit football. I’m very happy.”