Agent against Zlatan Ibrahimovic retirement

Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic retiring at the end of the season would be “a crime against sporting humanity”, so says the Swede’s agent Mino Raiola.

Ibrahimovic has not ruled out calling it quits when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer, with a host of clubs reportedly coveting his signature.

The decorated 34-year-old has hit 39 goals and provided 16 assists for PSG this campaign, most recently scoring in last night’s Champions League quarter-final draw with Manchester City.

“If he retires, it would be like somebody stealing the Mona Lisa – it would be a crime against sporting humanity,” Raiola told Radio Monte-Carlo.

“If he retires, I’m going to lock him up in a cell until he changes his mind.”

Meanwhile, Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini believes Ibrahimovic remains one of the top strikers in the world. The former Barcelona hitman was crucial to Mancini and Inter winning Serie A titles in 2007 and 2008.

“Ibra is one of the best players in the world,” Mancini told France Football. “With [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Gonzalo] Higuain, he’s one of the best forwards in circulation. Each of these players I’ve named score at least a goal per game and when you’ve got players like them, you can win everything.

“I’m not surprised that he’s still decisive at his age either. When I was 35, I won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia and I think Ibra can play on until he’s 35 or 36. Zlatan always gets 20-25 goals a season and almost always wins the league wherever he is. I think he can crown his dream this year by winning the Champions League at last.” Kickoff.com

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