Ibrahimovic wants Napoli move

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he wants to move to SSC Napoli so he can “replicate” the achievements of Diego Maradona and help it lift its first Serie A title in three decades.

Maradona scored 26 times across two seasons to fire Napoli to Serie A glory in both 1986/87 and 1989/90, however, the Italian giant has failed to lift the Scudetto since.

The team has come close again in recent years, finishing second in four of the last seven seasons, but it ultimately lost out to Juventus on each occasion.

Ibrahimovic, whose contract with LA Galaxy expires at the end of the year, believes he can be the man to finally break Napoli’s post-Maradona duck.

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“Italy is my second home,” the 38-year-old told Gazzetta del Sport when questioned about a potential return to the country where he has already won six Serie A titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan (though the first two with Juve were later revoked for match fixing).

“If I were to come back, I’d want to challenge for the Scudetto, not just be signed by someone because I am Ibrahimovic. I can still make the difference, I’m not a zoo animal to be put on display for people to see. I can still get 20 goals in Serie A.”

He continued: “I enjoyed the documentary dedicated to Diego Maradona, no one is like him.

“Seeing the love of that city would almost make me want to try an experience at Napoli, as it would be fantastic to replicate what Diego did.

“I’m not saying that I will go there as the final decision will depend on several factors, but that is a team that creates enthusiasm.

“With me, the Stadio San Paolo would be full every Sunday.”

Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy in March 2018 and has since set the MLS alight, scoring 52 times in just 56 appearances.

30 of those have come this season, helping fire Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side to the play-offs, where they beat Minnesota 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

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The victory set up an “El Trafico” derby against Los Angeles FC in the last four later this week, which will see the two neighbours go head to head for a third and final time this season.

The match will also see Ibrahimovic battle it out with attacking rival Carlos Vela, in what could prove to be the pivotal game in deciding which of the two players finish as the division’s MVP.

Vela was the regular season’s top scorer with 34 goals, four ahead of Ibrahimovic, while he also managed an impressive 15 assists, over double Ibrahimovic’s total of 7.

However, a stellar performance in the derby from the Swede, who is more often than not the man for the big occasion, could shift the tide in his favour.

LA Galaxy takes on LAFC on Friday, October 25 at the Banc of California Stadium.