Soccer-Ibrahimovic off the market, says Inter president

ROME, July 11 (Reuters) - Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was no longer on the market after returning to training with Italian champions Inter Milan on Friday, said club president Massimo Moratti.

Inter had stated they were willing to sell the Sweden international, last season's Serie A top scorer, who was linked to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United after saying he needed a fresh challenge.

But no one was willing to meet an asking price of about 70 million euros ($98 million) which, according to Moratti, means he will now be staying put.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is absolutely off the market," Moratti told Sky television on Saturday.

He added that Chelsea centre back Ricardo Carvalho and his Portugal midfield compatriot Deco were unlikely to join Inter after talks broke down over the price tag.

"These targets are more and more difficult to obtain because they are players that are very useful only at the right cost," he said when asked about the pair. "Otherwise, they risk being bad buys."

NO EXCUSE

Moratti also said there will be no excuse for failure in next season's Champions League after coach Jose Mourinho played down Inter's chances.