Ibrahimovic is still fired up by falling out with Guardiola

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has revealed he is still motivated by his falling out with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.

Guardiola brought Ibrahimovic to Camp Nou in 2009 but the relationship broke down and the Swede was loaned to AC Milan after only a season before making the move permanent.

The striker has been outspoken in his criticism of Guardiola since and, when Manchester United face the Spaniard’s Manchester City in the derby next month, Ibrahimovic will be especially fired up.

In an interview with Fabio Capello on Fox Sports Italia, he said: “I learned from Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. I learned that in football any situation can change in 24 hours.

“The problem wasn’t with me, it was with him, and he never came to terms with it. I don’t know what his problem was with me.

“It is something that drives me, gives me adrenaline and extra motivation. It is normal after what has happened. I’m using it as a positive, not negative.”

Ibrahimovic’s United will travel to the Etihad Stadium on Monday in what could potentially be a decisive clash in the battle for the top four.

Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan hopes to be back in training with City at the start of pre-season this summer.

The German midfielder’s impressive first campaign ended prematurely when he underwent surgery to repair cruciate ligament damage last December.

Gundogan was one of manager Guardiola’s first signings when he joined the club in a £20m deal from Borussia Dortmund last summer. The 26-year-old told ESPN FC: “It is getting better. It is a little bit frustrating but injuries are part of football.

“Unfortunately my injury is a long-term injury, it takes quite a few months to recover.

“I just try to do the best every day and try to come back as soon as possible on the field. Hopefully I can start pre-season.”

Gundogan was speaking in New York where he and team-mate Gabriel Jesus were promoting City’s involvement in this summer’s International Champions Cup in the United States.

Striker Jesus made an instant impact after joining City from Palmeiras in January but is also now injured having broken a bone in his foot last month.

The 19-year-old, who has not been ruled out for the rest of the season, said: “It was something I didn’t want but it happened. I am getting better and I am working hard to get back on the pitch.”