Ibrahimovic's on Guardiola: I hope his ego doesn't get in the way of Haaland

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is continuing his recovery from cruciate ligament surgery on his left knee, which should see him back on the pitch in early 2023.

The Swedish striker has been using his recovery time to speak a lot. In an interview with Canal Plus, once again attacked Pep Guardiola, with whom he clashed in their shared time at Barcelona.

Ibrahimovic began by praising Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

"I like him a lot, he is a very intelligent player, he doesn't do things that are not within his reach," Zlatan said.

"He doesn't go down to play the ball, he waits in front of goal and scores. He reminds me of players like Inzaghi, Trezeguet and Vieri. In fact, he's a new version of all three.

Predictably, Ibra then brought up City boss Guardiola.

"Can Guardiola improve him? It depends on his ego. If he allows it to become bigger than him or not. He didn't allow me or the others to do so.

Ibra also discussed Kylian Mbappe and his decision to stay at PSG last summer.

"Mbappe, as a person I do not know him very well. As a player, he is fantastic," Zlatan told Canal Plus.

"But when you lose discipline you lose your identity.

"There is a reason why Zidane is Zidane. Mbappe wants to imitate him? That he starts to want to progress. Not to be satisfied

"He made the right choice for Paris not for himself. Because he put himself in a situation where he is more important than the club. And the club gave him the keys for that.

"But you are never bigger than a club. But when a child becomes strong, he can easily earn money."