Paris: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain cannot compete with clubs such as Barcelona, Inter and Juventus just yet, as they lack experience at the highest level.
The powerful attacker has compared the Ligue 1 side`s situation to that of Manchester City last term, when the Premier League champions failed to advance beyond the group stage of the Champions League.
"We are not yet at the same level as Barcelona, Juventus or Inter. We are not yet used to winning titles. That`s what we`re missing at this point, a bit of experience at the highest level," Ibrahimovic stated to Eurosport.
"Manchester City crashed out in the group stages last season, but that did not make them a bad team all of a sudden. They simply weren`t used to playing in the Champions League."
The Sweden star then went on to defend his high wages at the Ligue 1 outfit as he feels he represents value for money.
"Quality is not free. I don`t understand all the criticism. After all, the more money I earn, the more tax France receives..."
The striker revealed that former Brazil international Ronaldo was his idol early in his career, while also praising Marco van Basten.
"Ronaldo was the only player who could get me to turn on the TV and watch football," he revealed.
"Marco van Basten was another legend. To be compared to him is a huge compliment."
Ibrahimovic will make his maiden Champions League appearance with PSG on Tuesday when they take on Dinamo Kiev.
The Swede then spoke about his time at Barcelona and the change that occured over the course of the season.
"The first six months were fantastic in Barcelona. Then something happened. Even today, I do not have an answer, perhaps I never will.
"But whatever. I learned a lot there, including that in football everything can change very quickly. Sometimes, even in the space of twenty-four hours."
The striker then touched on his time with Messi and discussed how Pep Guardiola should have thought about whether or not the two forwards could play well together before bringing the striker to Camp Nou.
"Cohabitation with Messi? This is a question for the coach. Me wherever I go, I`m doing my job. But if a club buys me € 17 million and I`m not playing, that`s his problem, not mine."
Goal.com
First Published: Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 09:03