On July 27, 2009, Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrives at Camp Nou. A pharaonic operation, worth 68 million euros: 48 to Inter in compensation, plus the registration of Samuel Eto’o, protagonist in the final two months earlier with a goal against Manchester United. The exchange was also supposed to include Alexander Hleb, Belarusian, attacking midfielder. In the end, his refusal will bring Wesley Sneijder to the Nerazzurri: when the puzzle takes all the right pieces it almost seems like there is a higher plan.
The press conference begins with thanks to everyone. “Barcelona, president Laporta, agent Mino Raiola and also Massimo Moratti, because no president has done as much for me as he did. We had a good time, me and my family, in Milan, but now I want to take another step. These have not been easy weeks for me, but I am here to develop my career as best I can. I had an agreement with Moratti for months, only Barcelona could and wanted to buy me. Now no one is happier than me. I thank all the Nerazzurri fans, but also my teammates. I helped them, but they helped me. I am sorry to have left, but I am happier here.”.
It won’t be for long. Because if it’s true that a season with 21 goals in 45 games is not to be thrown away, that Barcelona seemed unbeatable. He won the Champions League the year before he arrived, he won it the season after. In the middle, Inter, who he had said goodbye to because he was happier in Blaugrana. It will be a regret, because Ibra always chose the wrong destination in those three years. Inter, Barcelona and Milan, despite winning all three championships.