'When Ibra left Juve...'

Amid reports of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to Juventus, ex-director Alessio Secco reveals “he did everything possible to leave in 2006.”

Newspapers in Italy and France continue to suggest there are advanced negotiations between the clubs for a summer transfer.

However, those who were in charge of the Bianconeri back in 2006 when the Swede left are doubtful.

“I won’t judge, but I’ll just say that at the time, the moment we went into Serie B, he did everything possible to show he wanted to leave,” former director Secco told TMW.

“Of course, people can change in life and he can do what he wants. Do I have advice for Juve? They did so well to do everything they’ve done, so the directors will know what evaluations to make on Ibra’s potential return.”

Several stars, such as Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved, Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Mauro Camoranesi, opted to stay with Juventus after the Calciopoli scandal and their demotion to Serie B.

Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was the President of Juventus during that troubled summer and he also revealed some background to Ibrahimovic’s departure.

“Nobody can doubt he is a great player, even if a little tactically anarchic. I remember when he demanded a transfer, banging his fists on the table,” Cobolli Gigli told TMW.

“Along with his agent Mino Raiola, they make quite a pair! We were forced to sell him, but also the situation meant we had to deal with buyers who knew our backs were to the wall. At the end of the day, we had to sell to a club that was our historic antagonist, Inter.”