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Zlat's tough

Man United transfer news: Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic about to snub Red Devils to return to Malmo?

Superstar Swedish forward set to pass up the chance to work with Jose Mourinho to go back to boyhood side

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could snub Manchester United in order to return to boyhood club Malmo in Sweden

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC hinted he could snub Manchester United for an astonishing return to first club Malmo.

New Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho has targeted the out-of-contract Paris Saint-Germain striker as his first big-name signing of his Manchester reign.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent says his client is still a long way of a proposed move to Old Trafford
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent says his client is still a long way of a proposed move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images

But speaking to fans in his hometown during Sweden's Euro 2016 warm-up game with Slovenia tonight, Ibrahimovic told fans that he will play there again - and that they must wait for him.

He said: "I love Malmö and I wish I could play today. I apologise for that, but I will, I will. Just wait for me."

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing for Malmo in the early years of his footballing career
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing for Malmo in the early years of his footballing career

Ibrahimovic sat out the bore draw because he is nursing a calf injury but is expected to be fit for Sweden's Euro campaign which begins against Ireland on June 13.

Mourinho looked in pole position to land the 34-year-old hitman.

But Ibrahimovic's agent appeared to pour water on the rumours when he said his client's next club would be a "surprise".

West Ham and Tottenham were interested the ex-Barcelona star and there were mega-money offers from China.

However, Mino Raiola said: "We have not decided anything yet. I think it will be a surprise in the end. Everyone is harping on about only United, United, United.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be about to stun Jose Mourinho by snubbing the Premier League in favour of his home nation
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 Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be about to stun Jose Mourinho by snubbing the Premier League in favour of his home nationCredit: AFP

"There are some clubs in England, a few clubs in Europe, clubs outside Europe, but everyone assumes that he must go to Manchester United, but it is not true.

"It’s not important to arrange something quickly, I care only about arranging something with quality."

Ibrahimovic started his trophy-laden career at Malmo in 1996, joining the senior side three years later and notching 16 goals in 40 appearances.

 Jose Mourinho was all but certain he would land Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer in his first window as Manchester United boss
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Jose Mourinho was all but certain he would land Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer in his first window as Manchester United boss

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger tried to poach the teenager during his time there but lost out when Ibra joined Ajax in 2001.

He then joined European heavyweights Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Milan and finally PSG, where he ended his time with 38 goals league goals this season alone.

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