Lagerback relieved at Zlatan move

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback is delighted the speculation surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future has ended as the striker made a £16.7million switch from Juventus to Internazionale.

The 24-year-old signed a four-year-contract with Internazionale after Lagerback admitted he was concerned Ibrahimovic would remain with Juventus in Serie B following their enforced relegation from the top-flight.

"It is of course positive, the better league you play in the better it is. That counts for every player," he told www.fotbolldirekt.com. "It is one of Europe's biggest and best clubs."

Ibrahimovic will face competition from Adriano and new loan-signing Hernan Crespo at the San Siro, but Lagerback considers the competition for places a positive thing for the Swedish national side.

"It is like that at this level," he added. "You need to be on top of it and perform for the whole time."

Sweden will play a friendly against Germany in Gelsenkirchen on August 16, but Ibrahimovic has not been included due to a lack of match-fitness.