Marseille defender Rod Fanni has admitted he has "often wanted to smack" Zlatan Ibrahimovic when facing the Paris Saint-Germain star on the pitch.
Fanni has seen Ibrahimovic score four goals in five Ligue 1 games against l'OM, and the Swede has yet to taste defeat to PSG's French top-flight nemesis.
More than his goals, Fanni told media Ibrahimovic's words on the pitch irk him most.
"Yes, I have often wanted to smack him!" the France international said. "We say things to each other in English that I won't repeat. But that's just part of the game, we're not out there to be friends."
Ibrahimovic is renowned for his disdainful attitude towards opponents and media. After PSG's Coupe de la Ligue semifinal win over Lille on Tuesday, he was heard to order teammates not to talk to the press, while he has had a number of well-documented run-ins with opposing players.
Fanni, however, insists the former Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan forward is merely putting on an act.
He added: "It's a role he plays, and he does it very well. He should get an Oscar. He can be annoying on the pitch, but it's really a role he gives himself. I know some PSG players: he's not like that really."
