Barca hit back at Zlatan agent

Published Jun. 1, 2010 10:38 a.m. ET

foxsports

Barcelona general manager Joan Oliver has hit out at the agent of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mino Raiola claimed that Pep Guardiola "would have to go to a mental hospital" if he wanted to sell the frontman, while he also suggested the club could sell Lionel Messi or Pedro instead if they needed the money.

Oliver today responded, telling www.fcbarcelona.com: "We didn't like Mr Mino Raiola's statements at all, especially the tone.

"The reference to the coach is in very bad taste.

"And the club doesn't need money. We don't want to sell."

Oliver did leave the door open to a possible move away from the club for Ibrahimovic, though.

"If things get too complicated, there'll be no option but to sell the player," he said.

"However, that's not the intention of the club at this moment."

Ibrahimovic's performances, particularly in Barca's Champions League elimination by Inter Milan, were criticised in some quarters this season.

Oliver also admitted there was a possibility that Yaya Toure, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, could leave the Nou Camp.

He said: "His case is similar to Ibrahimovic, although Toure has been with the club for longer.

"We are not interested in offloading either of these players but obviously if Toure isn't happy we won't force him to stay.

"What we won't do is go against our own interests. If he wants to stay we'll be delighted.

"If not then the solution must be good for the club, not just the player."