Blanc: Ibra’s Choice To Leave Juventus

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A triumpaht Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates during Inter's thrashing of Roma (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Following the Calciopoli scandal that rocked Juventus in 2006, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was one of many top players to leave the Old Lady, as the Swede signed a four year contract with his favourite club as a child, Inter Milan, for almost €25 million.

The club did all they could to keep the striker in Turin, however they failed in their efforts as Serie B football wasn’t appealing enough for the Swedish international.

The managing director of the Bianconeri, Jean-Claude Blanc has made these facts clear in recent days, in the lead up to the Derby d’Italia between Inter and his side Juventus this weekend.

“Ibrahimovic wanted to leave at a time of difficulty: we wanted to keep him, but it was not possible,” Blanc said in an interview with Sky Sport 24.

“We had ongoing discussions with the player, his agent, and Inter, but in the end we defended the interests of our club and let him go,” insisted Blanc.

He was then asked his thoughts concerning what it would be like to have an in-form Alessandro Del Piero and Ibrahimovic playing side by side in the Bianconeri colours.

“Yes, this would be a strong partnership, however we are very happy with our structure in attack, and so we must look forward from here without regret anything,” he affirmed.

The Bianconeri are challenging for the Scudetto this season and they have a huge chance to upset Inter this weekend, as Blanc would appreciate: “We go to Milan after a series of important victories, and if we play the way we have been recently, then we are a big chance to win,” he concluded.

Ibra has gone on to make 87 appearances for the club, scoring 44 times, to emerge as one of the best strikers in Serie A.

Adrian Del Monte