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Ibrahimovic superior to Messi 'if football was an individual sport'

Legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi says Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be a superior player to Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Speaking to Rai Radio 2 on Sunday, the former AC Milan manager discussed the rumours surrounding a possible San Siro return for the Swede, and whether Zlatan would be a smart fit for new Rossoneri boss Sinisa Mihajlovic's side.

Ibrahimovic starred at Milan from 2010 to 2012. And while Sacchi praised the PSG man's talent, he wondered if his style of play has held him back from being considered on the level as four-time Champions League winner Messi.

"I am too friendly with [president Silvio] Berlusconi and [CEO Adrian] Galliani to say what I think of Milan in the transfer market," he said.

"Ibrahimovic is one of the greats. If football were an individual sport, I think he would even be superior to Messi.

"This is a great strength, but also a limitation if he cannot work in synergy with the others."

Ibrahimovic, 33, has just a year remaining on his PSG deal, and has been strongly linked to a move back to Milan.

He met with PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi in Doha two weeks ago to discuss his future at the Parisian club. And according to French outlet L'Equipe, he promised the Qatari he would see out his contract at the Parc des Princes. But that hasn't stopped speculation of a move.