Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he wanted to join Real Madrid when departing Barcelona in 2010.
The Sweden international released his autobiography this week which has already caused a stir after exerpts were leaked before it hit the shelves.
The latest revelation to emerge was that Ibrahimovic had asked Barca president that he wanted to be sold to Real Madrid once it was clear he was on his way out at Camp Nou.
“The president said: ‘I understand the situation. Which club do you want to join?’ I replied: ‘Madrid.’ Rosell replied: ‘That is not possible. You can go anywhere but there.'”
In the end the player joined AC Milan and while the negotiations were being undertaken apparently Rosell said in the presence of Milan director Adriano Galliani, his agent Mino Raiola and Barca vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, “I want you to know that this is the worst piece of business I have conducted in my life.’ I replied: ‘It’s the result of bad leadership.'”
The Spanish giants forked out almost €50 million in 2009 for the former Inter star in a deal that included Samuel Eto’o leaving for the Nerazzurri.
Ibrahimovic left for Milan last year initially on a loan deal which was made permanent in the summer after the Italian club paid the Spanish champions €24 million for his services.
Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi’s agent has dismissed reports suggesting that both AC Milan and Manchester City have enquired about his client.
Milan are reportedly seeking a replacement for Antonio Cassano, who is recovering from a heart surgery and will be out for between four to six months, while City are said to have been keeping an eye on the 26-year-old.
Lavezzi’s representative recently met Milan director Ariedo Braida but rejects reports that they discussed the possible transfer of the Argentina international during January.
“There is no truth in the Milan rumours,” Alejandro Mazzoni told Radio CRC.
“I did come across Braida recently, but we spoke about other Argentine players. Lavezzi was never discussed.
“As for City, they have never contacted me for Ezequiel. Il Pocho is at Napoli and he wants to stay with the club.”
“I don’t think it is right to talk about a possible transfer right now,” he added. “He just needs to focus on the season ahead with Napoli in Serie A and the Champions League.”
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