When it was confirmed earlier this week that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s two game Champions League ban will be reduced to one, fans of the powerful Swede were understandably ecstatic. The PSG striker, while still having his doubters, is the favourite of many a supporter in England and football voyeurs were excited about his potential return to Barcelona.
Ibrahimovic may’ve spent just a solitary season at the Camp Nou before his move to AC Milan, but it can still be considered a success, regardless of how his time in Spain ended. His relationship with then manager Pep Guardiola has been well documented, with Zlatan dubbing the Spaniard ‘The Philosopher’ due to his likelihood to over think scenarios, both on and off the pitch.
A return to Barcelona had supporters salivating, not only because of Zlatan’s past, but also the quality of performers on offer to the watching world. PSG, over recent years, have put their spending power to good use, acquiring the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Lucas Moura, Javier Pastore and Thiago Silva adding to the ranks along with Ibrahimovic.
The two legged affair will showcase the games best performers, while will also see David Beckham return to Spain following his short term move to France. The midfielder spent four years with rivals Real Madrid and will further give an indication whether he can still ply his trade with the better players of the game.