FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.03.2010 19:40

Ibrahimovic: “I want to achieve even more”

Vanessa Forns

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is determined to continue his good form for FC Barcelona when he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter final on Wednesday evening and hopes to improve on his record against English teams.

The Swedish striker revealed that he has had to cope with some criticism this season, but that it has only motivated him to do even better. “Obviously Barcelona saw what they bought,” Ibrahimovic said. “I had five fantastic years in Italy and played in Holland before that. The people who know football know the way I can play and I don't think I have to demonstrate that to anybody.”

Self criticism

“I have six league titles in a row so I don't know how much more I have to prove after that. But I came to Spain to win more important titles and keep improving myself. When people criticise you, you hear it from somebody even if you don't read it, but the biggest criticism is from myself. I have had hard times but I'm playing well now. I think I haven't performed my best in games against English teams. But the last time was with Inter against Manchester United and it is harder playing for Italian teams against English teams because Italian teams are more concerned with not conceding.”

Arsenal qualities

Looking ahead to the encounter at The Emirates on Wednesday the Barça forward admitted he liked the Gunners’ style. “Personally I like the way Arsenal play because they are a very strong team. They have many young players and play attractive football and have a coach who has been there for a long time.,” he said.

Iniesta out

Andrés Iniesta is out injured and Ibrahimovic believes that his absence will be noticed, but will not be a factor. “He is very important to us,” he explained. “He gives the team a great balance. But Barça do not depend on any one player. We play to win and will continue to do that.”

Messi praise

Lionel Messi will be closely watched as a potential matchwinner and Ibrahimovic is a huge fan of the Argentinian. “He is a fantastic player,” he added. “But he is still young. He is 22 years old and has big future in front of him. I hope he can keep up the level where he is now. I hope he can continue and not lose his motivation. That is the biggest threat for him because he is only 22.”