Zlatan IbrahimoviÄ”¡ left us too soon, claims Inter president

Zlatan IbrahimoviÄ”¡ left Inter Milan too soon, according to the club’s president Massimo Moratti.

Barcelona signed the Sweden international for €66m with before the start of the 2009-10 season but the 29-year-old striker returned to Italy this season after joining AC Milan on a year-long loan.

IbrahimoviÄ”¡ was deemed surplus to Pep Guardiola’s requirements despite an impressive return of 22 goals in 46 appearances for Barca.

And Moratti believes the imposing forward should have remained with the Italian champions instead of moving to Spain in his quest for Champions League glory.

“I think he left to win the Champions League but he got the wrong year and the great satisfaction of his former team-mates is to have won it in that way,” said Moratti. “I find Ibrahimovic a nice guy – I’m not going to criticise him.”

IbrahimoviÄ”¡, who has now represented Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, remains confident of his ability despite an unsettling period with Barcelona. In a recent interview the Swede confidently proclaimed himself as the best player in the world.

“I consider myself number one in the world,” he said. “For me second doesn’t exist.”

IbrahimoviÄ”¡ then revealed his intention to retire while still playing at his peak. “I am thinking of playing for another three years at most,” he added. “You have to stop when you are at the top.”

The former Inter striker returned to haunt his former employers during November’s Milan derby when he scored the winner in their 1-0 victory. However, IbrahimoviÄ”¡ rebutted claims of disloyalty from staunch Nerazzuri supporters.

“Firstly, we should understand that they are not really angry with me and are doing it for political reasons,” said the striker. “Secondly, if you are a real fan you would be happy with what I did for Inter. At least as far as I am concerned it remains as a positive memory.

“So what about when I moved from Juve to Inter? That transfer wasn’t easy either.”

He added: “Inter showed no interest in resigning me. Anyhow my motto is never go back. This is because I couldn’t do better than what I have already done.”