Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make a remarkable return to Europe, after Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed his admiration for the 38-year-old before doubling down on his desire to bring the striker to the club.
Speculation surrounds the Swedish star’s future as the MLS season draws to an end. Ibrahimovic is out of contract in December and may play his last game for LA Galaxy this weekend, when his side faces arch rivals LAFC on Friday.
Ibrahimovic has spent a large portion of his decorated career in Italy, where he was prolific for Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, before enjoying pastures new in France, England and the United States.
De Laurentiis has revealed his intentions to bring the striker back to Italy for his swan song under Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he played under at Paris Saint Germain.
“(Ibrahimovic) is a friend, I met him in Los Angeles not as a footballer but as a normal person because we were in the same hotel,” De Laurentiis told Sky Sports.
“I invited him over for dinner with his wife and kids and we had an amazing time. It would be my wish to see him in Napoli colours, it’s more than a suggestion and it depends on him. It’s been talked about for a few months now.”
Despite being in his late thirties, the former Barcelona, Manchester United and PSG striker has shown he’s still got a natural eye for goal and a goal scorer’s instinct, netting an impressive 52 goals in 57 games for the MLS side.
That kind of form has caught the eye of clubs in Europe. Asked whether he could still compete in Italy, Ibrahimovic said: “Oh, 100 per cent, I know I could still make the difference, both in Italy and in other countries.
“I’d do better than the players who are there now. My contract expires in December, and I don’t know what will happen after that.”
The LA Galaxy striker recently described Italy as his “second home” before revealing his appreciation for Naples as a football city.