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Pep Guardiola: Inter’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic Would Do Well At Barcelona

Guardiola is still keen on the Sweden hitman, hailing the striker’s abilities and claiming he could become a better player in Spain...

Jun 6, 2009 12:07:18 PM

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Pep Guardiola, Barcelona (PA)

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Head coach of Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, has come out and publicly praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic, despite having had an initial bid for the player turned down by Inter, the Swede's current employers.

Reports earlier today claimed Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti rejected the Blaugrana's first attempt at signing the hitman. But that has not stopped them from continuing their interest, with the coach hailing Inter's main man.

"Ibrahimovic is a great player. Many players who come to Barcelona become stronger," Guardiola told Sport, according to La Repubblica.

Speculation has been rife over a swap deal between Samuel Eto'o and Ibrahimovic. Barcelona reportedly offered Inter the Cameroon star plus €25 million, however, they wanted Maxwell in addition to the hitman. That proposal did not go down well with Moratti and the inevitable rejection headed back to Camp Nou.

Nevertheless, Guardiola is not giving up hope, suggesting that Barca are likely to show a stronger hand in the near future.

"We will see what happens. Everything will resolve itself with time," added the Spanish coach.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com