Mino Raiola Talks Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, More

Superagent Mino Raiola has proclaimed Zlatan Ibrahimovic is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as a host of clubs line up to sign the Swedish striker if he leaves Paris Saint-Germain.

Ibrahimovic is one of two coveted clients on the books of Raiola, who also fanned flames over a potential move for Paul Pogba to Barcelona.

The charismatic representative told French radio station RMC Sport (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPNFC) that 30 clubs are ready to take Ibrahimovic, whom he considers the best on the planet despite his ageing years:

"

Zlatan's more than just my client, he's my heart. If I didn't think he was good enough to play in France or anywhere else, I would do all I could to get him to stop, but I still think he is the best forward in the world right now.

I always say, though, that it's not my opinion that counts, but that of the market—it is the market which knows the truth. I know that there are 30 clubs telling me that 'if he wants to sign for us, we'd be very happy.'

He's better than anybody; Better than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. That's my opinion and I'm entitled to it. I don't know anybody who is six foot four and a half with the skills of Messi and the strength of Ronaldo.

"

Jacques Brinon/Associated Press

At 34 years old, Ibrahimovic has played for the cornerstones of European football, representing PSG, Barcelona, Juventus and Ajax, as well as both Milan clubs. 

Recent reports suggest the striker will find his way across the pond, landing in the United States with David Beckham's upcoming Miami franchise in the MLS, per L' Equipe (h/t Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson):

Ibra has continued to find the back of the net during his stay in the French capital and features on the original 23-strong Ballon d'Or nominees list, as cited by Gladwell.

The player has seven goals in his seven Ligue 1 appearances this term, per WhoScored.com, making him one of Europe's top marksmen in the early months of the latest campaign. 

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Raiola also spoke about another of his clients, French superstar Pogba, and admitted the Juventus midfielder could move to Barcelona, but only for an astonishing €100 million fee—comparing the player to a work of art—per RMC Sport (h/t FootballItalia.net):

"

I’ve always said that for me, Paul is a Basquiat. He’s very expensive. At Rolls-Royce they say ‘if you have to ask how much the car costs, you can’t afford it.’

We can’t give figures, but last year Juventus said no to offers of €85m. €100m? Juve have always said that’s the sum they want. It’s a way of saying he’s one of the best players on the planet.

[...] When he left Manchester [United] for Juve he chose with his heart, and it will be the same with his next club.

England or Spain? There are others who can afford him. Bayern Munich can afford him, PSG [Paris Saint-Germain] can afford him.

"

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

Pogba has struggled in recent weeks, as the Old Lady look to reshape after the departures of Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal.

The Italian champions are languishing in the bottom half of Serie A after dominating the league for years, and many look towards Pogba to keep the club in contention while they experience transition. 

Italian football correspondent Adam Digby recently criticised the midfielder for yet another abject display:

If Juve's poor form continues, it is likely Pogba's exit will be expedited, and the player will have his pick of the top clubs in the world.

Journalist Sam Lee of Goal.com said an English club reportedly moved for Pogba in recent times, and he speculated how immense he would be if he ended up at Manchester City, perpetuating "fantasy football" at the Etihad.

Raiola understands the value of both his star clients, and he is excellent at whipping up interest in the players.

A trip to Miami will appeal to Ibrahimovic as he plans the final years of his career, but it is Pogba who could break the world record transfer fee if he opts to leave Turin. 

As far as talent is concerned, Pogba is the most desirable acquisition for the richest teams on the planet, and his capture would represent a huge coup for any potential buyer.