'The whole world wants me!' - Ibrahimovic responds to Milan return rumours

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to rumours of a possible return to AC Milan, with the LA Galaxy striker giving little away.

The enigmatic Swede recently celebrated his 37th birthday and should be edging towards the end of his career.

He is, however, a player whose physical condition continues to belie his advancing years, with a serious knee injury suffered while at Manchester United doing little to slow him down.

Ibrahimovic has starred for the Galaxy since moving to America in March 2018, with 20 goals netted in just 24 appearances.

It is that form which has several clubs mulling over an effort to bring him back to Europe, with Milan believed to be considering a move for a familiar face.

A man who spent two years at San Siro between 2010 and 2012 has, however, refused to speculate on a switch to Italy, telling TMZ: “There are always rumours. The whole world wants me. It’s okay.”

Ibrahimovic scored 56 goals in 85 appearances during his time with Milan, helping them to the Serie A title in 2010-11.

While he has stopped short of ruling out a second spell with the Rossoneri, those in Milan have sought to quash the mounting transfer talk.

Milan director Leonardo has told Sky Sport Italia on the rumours: "Ibra has very close ties to Milan, everyone knows this.

"We cannot deny it was more than a brief thought going through our minds when we first arrived, as he is extraordinary and has very specific characteristics, but right now it's not possible."

Ibrahimovic’s contract in California is due to take in the 2019 MLS campaign, but a tempting proposal from Europe could see that agreement cut short.

For now, though, he is focused on extending his current campaign in Los Angeles, with the Galaxy currently sat seventh in the Western Conference, two points adrift of the play-off spots.