Ibrahimović blames Pep 'The Philosopher' for acrimonious exit
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New AC Milan signing Zlatan Ibrahimović claims an irretrievable breakdown in his relationship with Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as the reason for his exit.
Ibrahimović, who joined Barça last summer from Inter Milan in big money move, signed for Milan at the weekend on a season-long loan after which Barcelona will get €24 million spread over three years in transfer fees.
The 28-year-old didn't want to leave the Camp Nou, but once it became clear he no longer figured in Guardiola's plans, the writing was on the wall.
Ibra told a press conference: "No blame should rest with the club or the players. The problem was one person, the philosopher.
"In my book, a great coach solves his problems. A lesser coach runs from them.
"They did not want to sell me but there was one person who was desperate to sell me.
"I've had (Fabio) Capello and (José) Mourinho - two of the world's top disciplinarian coaches - and have not had a single problem.
"But suddenly I had a thousand problems and I had no communication with 'the philosopher' - no communication whatsoever. I don't know what his problem was.
"The problems began in March. I asked for an explanation, but he did not give it to me.
"I couldn't take it. I had no choice but to find a new place of work and I was lucky to go to a club like Milan.
"I will soon be 29 years old and cannot afford to lose a year sitting on the bench and watching the weather. I saw what happened last season with Thierry Henry."
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Ibrahimović, who joined Barça last summer from Inter Milan in big money move, signed for Milan at the weekend on a season-long loan after which Barcelona will get €24 million spread over three years in transfer fees.
The 28-year-old didn't want to leave the Camp Nou, but once it became clear he no longer figured in Guardiola's plans, the writing was on the wall.
Ibra told a press conference: "No blame should rest with the club or the players. The problem was one person, the philosopher.
"In my book, a great coach solves his problems. A lesser coach runs from them.
"They did not want to sell me but there was one person who was desperate to sell me.
"I've had (Fabio) Capello and (José) Mourinho - two of the world's top disciplinarian coaches - and have not had a single problem.
"But suddenly I had a thousand problems and I had no communication with 'the philosopher' - no communication whatsoever. I don't know what his problem was.
"The problems began in March. I asked for an explanation, but he did not give it to me.
"I couldn't take it. I had no choice but to find a new place of work and I was lucky to go to a club like Milan.
"I will soon be 29 years old and cannot afford to lose a year sitting on the bench and watching the weather. I saw what happened last season with Thierry Henry."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
