Bologna sports chief Walter Sabatini has confirmed they tried to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede actually met with Bologna director Marco di Vaio in LA as he considered his options after coming off contract with the LA Galaxy.

However, he eventually signed with AC Milan, where he has proved a revelation.

Sabatini revealed: "He spoke with the coach (Sinisa Mihajlovic), we hoped for the friendly affection.

"But in football it is never like that."