Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains philosophical over elusive Champions League triumph

25 November 2015 14:36

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is refusing to let his quest for an elusive Champions League triumph define the latter stages of his career.

The 34-year-old will return to home town club Malmo in Wednesday's Champions League clash as Paris St Germain look to challenge Real Madrid for control of Pool A.

Heavily-decorated Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has won league and cup titles at every turn in a colourful career, but continues to chase Champions League glory.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan hitman has organised an open-air screening of PSG's clash at Malmo, but insists his European ambitions are not all-consuming.

"I haven't won the Champions League before, as everyone knows, but we are going to do everything we can to win," Ibrahimovic told UEFA.com.

"If I don't win, I won't be disappointed. Definitely not.

"What will happen will happen.

"We have got better. We are a lot better than last year so we have a good chance.

"It doesn't mean that we will win, but we have a great team.

"We have the potential to go a long way, but it takes a lot to win.

"It's not always the best team that wins, so we'll see."

Ever the showman, Ibrahimovic has stayed true to his promise to lay on a big screen in Malmo's main Stortorget square, to "give everyone a chance to watch the game".

Far from content with the Malmo New Stadium's 24,000 capacity for his homecoming, the 34-year-old has hired out the square in front of city hall.

"If MFF's stadium had been five times bigger, we'd still have been able to fill it," said Ibrahimovic.

"We want to fit all of Malmo in, but everyone can't get in.

"It'll be a large screen in the square where everyone will have a chance to see the match live

"It will be special moment.

"It should feel personal, like something I've planned. It's a gift from me."

Boss Laurent Blanc has told his PSG stars to focus on victory despite both Ibrahimovic's homecoming and the continued fallout from the Paris terror attacks.

The PSG players will wear special shirts bearing the logo 'Je Suis Paris' for the next two matches.

"We fully understand this is unreal for him, but we're aiming to win," said Blanc.

"I hope Zlatan and the others can play really well and make this a special game.

"You all know what has happened in Paris so preparation has been difficult.

"We have been very moved by what has happened.

"In time everything will be back to something more normal, and I think that is very important.

"With our shirts we want to show our compassion, solidarity and love."

Malmo lost out 2-0 at home to Real Madrid in September, with boss Age Hareide admitting his players were star-struck by the visitors.

"Against Real Madrid some of our players were more focused on swapping shirts with Ronaldo and his team-mates," said Hareide.

"It was too big an occasion for some of the players but I think we've learned from that.

"When we win the ball we have to attack and play fast."

Source: PA-WIRE