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Manchester United target Zlatan Ibrahimovic rules out triumphant return to boyhood club Malmo as he’s too good for Swedish football

Former PSG man says he is enjoying all the speculation over his future but says he is only focused on Euro 2016

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

MANCHESTER UNITED target Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in no rush to make a decision on his multi-million pound future.

The Sweden star called another press conference on Wednesday morning to hold court with the Swedish press in the build-up to Euro 2016.

Sweden forward and captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic controls the ball on his chest at his side's Euro 2016 training camp in Bastad before holding a press conference
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Sweden forward and captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic controls the ball on his chest at his side's Euro 2016 training camp in Bastad before holding a press conferenceCredit: Getty Images
Ibrahimovic ruled out a return to any side in the Swedish league including first love Malmo where he started his career back in 1999 before moving to Ajax
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Ibrahimovic ruled out a return to any side in the Swedish league including first love Malmo where he started his career back in 1999 before moving to AjaxCredit: Getty Images

The media in attendance believed the former PSG man, currently a free-agent, would be announcing his plan to retire from international football after the tournament in France.

But he continued to toy with the long list of Champions Leagues clubs interested in his services, ruling out only a return to former club Malmo – or anyone else below his lofty standards in his native league.

When asked if international retirement was the cause of the conference, he said: “I haven’t thought about it.

Former PSG and Barcelona star Ibrahimovic called a press conference to dismiss reports he is retiring from international football with Sweden after Euro 2016
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Former PSG and Barcelona star Ibrahimovic called a press conference to dismiss reports he is retiring from international football with Sweden after Euro 2016Credit: Getty Images

 

The forward denied reports he is quitting Sweden and said he is fully focussed on international football only with a decision on his future to be revealed later
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The forward denied reports he is quitting Sweden and said he is fully focussed on international football only with a decision on his future to be revealed laterCredit: Getty Images
The outspoken goal scorer is wanted by Manchester United where his favourite manager Jose Mourinho has recently taken over after Louis van Gaal
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The outspoken goal scorer is wanted by Manchester United where his favourite manager Jose Mourinho has recently taken over after Louis van GaalCredit: Getty Images

“I’m focusing on the Euros and it’s not something I’ve thought about.”

Malmo fans – where the 34-year-old started his career in 1999 – got excited last week when the striker said: “I love Malmo and I wish I could play there. I apologise for that, but I will, I will. Just wait for me.”

But it turns out the former Barcelona and Inter Milan man was only talking about playing for Sweden in his hometown stadium.

And sadly, he reminded everyone that he’s miles too good to return to play in the Allsvenskan league.

He said: “Telling Malmo that I’m coming was in reference to going there with the national team.

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The Sweden striker insists he enjoys reading all the transfer speculation that has been written about him since he announced he would leave PSG as champions
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The Sweden striker insists he enjoys reading all the transfer speculation that has been written about him since he announced he would leave PSG as championsCredit: Getty Images
Despite his huge quality and the long list of world-class clubs Ibrahimovic has played for in his illustrious career he has  never won the Champions League
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Despite his huge quality and the long list of world-class clubs Ibrahimovic has played for in his illustrious career he has  never won the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

“I’ll never forget where I’ve come from. Regardless of where I am, I will always be from Malmo.

“I’m too good for the Swedish league.”

When pressed on how he felt about the constant speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford to link-up with old friend Jose Mourinho, the ex-Ajax man replied with trademark nonchalance.

He said: “I want you to write stories and see who can make up the best ones.

"When I get tired of them, I’ll let you know where I’ll go.”

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