Zamparini: Pastore struggling to play with Ibrahimovic

1 Dec 2012 10:55:00

The Palermo president believes he has the answer to the Argentine's troubles at Parc des Princes and says he would love to see the player return to Italy

Maurizio Zamparini says Javier Pastore's struggles at Paris Saint-Germain are down to his inability to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Argentine midfielder has failed to reproduce the form which saw les Parisiens splash out a reported €40 million to take him from Palermo in August 2011 and the Rosanero president believes the problem is a very obvious one.

"Why is he having trouble? Playing with Ibrahimovic is not easy," he told Corriere dello Sport.

His lack of form has prompted speculation that the 23-year-old come make a swift return to Serie A, where he enjoyed two fruitful seasons, and Zamparini revealed how Inter were keen on securing his signature prior to his move to France.

"[Massimo] Moratti was interested in Pastore before I sold him to Paris Saint-Germain and [Marco] Branca had spoken with my sporting director," he added.

"Then came the offer from Leonardo and Inter could not compete with those numbers."

A move back to Italy would appear premature for the time being, but that has not stopped the 71-year-old from dreaming of bringing Pastore back to the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

"If Pastore was to return to Italy I would be delighted. Javier still loves Palermo and the Saturday after our victory in the derby against Catania he congratulated many of his former team-mates."