Inter President Moratti Rules Out Ibrahimovic-Eto’o Swap With Barcelona

News of Massimo Moratti’s appearance in Catalunya on Thursday evening sparked wild speculation that the Inter chief was about to begin negotiations to sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona.

The Nerazzurri supremo reportedly had dinner with Blaugrana president, Joan Laporta in a restaurant and the Spanish press was there at the end of the meeting to push the two chiefs for some answers. But neither were too keen to divulge any information.

AS quoted Laporta as saying, “It was a dinner between friends. Nothing has been decided. This meeting took place because we have known each other for years and we share the same admiration.”

Moratti, meanwhile, offered by and large the same explanation, except he added at the end, “I like Ibra just as much as Laporta likes [Samuel] Eto’o. I do not believe that there will be an exchange.”

Moratti's declarations, however, could indicate that the Blaugrana might be ready to purchase the Swede with a full cash payment.

Recent reports had suggested that Laporta and Eto’o will meet in the coming days to sort out the striker’s contractual issues; while Inter coach, Jose Mourinho has supposedly given Ibrahimovic’s sale the go ahead, although he is expecting Eto’o, Ricardo Carvalho as well as Deco in return.

KS Leong, Goal.com