Liverpool to PSG: Ibra pushes Gerrard towards exit

Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged his England counterpart Steven Gerrard to join a big "international" club.

Ibrahimovic says Gerrard is not "a normal English player", as the Liverpool midfielder prepares to win his 100th England cap in Wednesday's friendly between the two countries.

"I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player," said Ibrahimovic who is enjoying another campaign in the Champions League with Paris St Germain while Gerrard is in the Europa League.

"He feels more like an international player, rather than a normal English player. English players have big hearts and are always fighting, very aggressive, but for me, Gerrard feels more international.

“Of course Liverpool are a big club but I’d like to see Steven at a big international club.

“It would be good for England. It’s exciting when someone goes abroad. A great player can make a difference in any country.”

But Gerrard said: “I’m a big fan of Zlatan but I’m not going to take his advice. I’m at one of the world’s biggest clubs."

However, Liverpool have not competed in the Champions League for three years.

Gerrard will join a select band of players to have made 100 appearances for England when he leads Roy Hodgson's team out at Friends Arena in Stockholm on Wednesday evening.

Ibrahimovic expressed his admiration for Gerrard who twice turned down offers from Jose Mourinho to join Chelsea.

He added: "He has been loyal to his club and he has won some big trophies with the club. He always plays at a high level, when he is not injured.

"He is a very good person to have as a team-mate in your team. He always gives 200 percent, is a good fighter, and has good skills and a good touch with the ball also.

"He has more skills than the normal player."