Jean-Claude Blanc has revealed that it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic's choice to abandon Juventus and head to Inter.

In the aftermath of the infamous match-fixing scandal that shook the foundations of Juventus in 2006, Ibrahimovic was among a number of top class players who sought to leave the Old Lady, with the striker eventually signing for boyhood favourites Inter Milan on a four-year deal with a transfer fee of US$31 million.

Club personnel did all they could in a bid to keep the Swedish international in Turin, but ultimately failed as the prospect of Serie B football proved too much for Ibrahimovic to stomach.

Juve Managing Director Blanc revealed his frustrations this week, ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated Derby d'Italia between Inter and Juve.

"Ibrahimovic wanted to leave at a time of difficulty: we wanted to keep him, but it was not possible," Blanc said.

"We had ongoing discussions with the player, his agent, and Inter, but in the end we defended the interests of our club and let him go."

The MD was then questioned about what would have been had Ibrahimovic stayed and paired up with Alessandro Del Piero on his current sizzling form.

"Yes, this would be a strong partnership, however we are very happy with our structure in attack, and so we must look forward from here without regret anything," stated Blanc.

The Bianconeri are Scudetto contenders this season, and they go into the match against Inter in a positive frame of mind.

 "We go to Milan after a series of important victories, and if we play the way we have been recently, then we are a big chance to win," Blanc concluded.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made 87 appearance for Inter, scoring 44 times to retain his reputation as one of the most dangerous hitmen in Serie A.