Zlatan: I almost joined Napoli before Milan return
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will go down as one of the greatest entertainers European football has ever produced - when and if he ever retires.
The 40-year-old Swedish striker is as much a fan favourite for his comical off-field quirks as he is for the unbelievable goals he scores, and he is still doing his thing for Milan in Serie A, scoring five times this season so far.
And he has now revealed he almost signed for Napoli instead of rejoining Milan when leaving La Galaxy in January 2020.
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Ibrahimovic on Napoli move
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, the Swede explained he was inspired by Napoli legend Diego Maradona, after watching the great man's documentary. He said: "Watching a documentary about him, I decided to join Napoli and do what Diego did - win the league.
"I was tired of America and thinking of retiring. But (my agent) Mino (Raiola) said: 'You're crazy, you should go back to Italy.'
I asked Mino: 'Which team is in the worst shape, that I can change? He replied: Yesterday Milan lost 5-0 to Atalanta. So I decided
- "It was all done with Napoli, but then (Napoli owner Aurelio) De Laurentiis fired (coach Carlo) Ancelotti. I asked Mino: 'Which team is in the worst shape, that I can change?'
"He replied: Yesterday Milan lost 5-0 to Atalanta. So I decided."
Ibrahimovic on Lukaku spat
Ibrahimovic has been one of the game's biggest stars for the past two decades and has never been far from the limelight for the majority of that time.
That includes a recent on-field confrontation with now Chelsea player Romelu Lukaku, who was then playing for Inter against him in the Milan derby.
And Ibrahimovic says he still has a score to settle with the Belgian international.
“Italian Cup derby. He quarrels first with Romagnoli, then with Saelemaekers; I intervene to defend my teammates, Lukaku attacks me on a personal level. Yet we had been teammates at Manchester,” he said.
According to Ibrahimovic, Lukaku has a big ego and he hopes they meet soon.
"I have a score to settle with him, I hope to face him soon. These are things that must be resolved on the pitch. I do not hate anyone, let alone Lukaku."
