Ibrahimović: I rejected the offer from "Man City" because money is not everything. © EuroFootball.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic stated that before shaking hands with , he rejected a lucrative offer from .

The Swede insisted that last summer he did so in order to represent a team that could immediately compete for the highest places, rather than one that is being built for the future.

"We talked several times with Man City and they presented me with a great project," said Ibrahimovic. "But I'm not one of those who would do everything for money.

"For me, the future and opportunities are important, so I decided that the Man City project is not for the present. In a few years, this club will be elite, but I need that now, not when I'm 32."

And he added: "If you're a great footballer, you can earn anywhere."

This season, Ibrahimovic scored 18 goals in all competitions.