Zlatan stokes El Trafico fire, claims to be 'far' better than Vela

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is up to his old tricks again.

A day before Ibrahimovic's LA Galaxy face Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC in El Trafico, the mouthpiece of memorable quotes claimed he's better than any player in Major League Soccer, including LAFC star Carlos Vela.

"By far, because if he's in his prime. How old is he? Twenty-nine," Ibrahimovic told ESPN FC when asked if he was superior to Vela. "And he's playing in MLS and he's in his prime. When I was 29 (I was in Europe). Big difference."

Shots fired.

Ibrahimovic, who bagged the winner on his MLS debut against LAFC in 2018, has recorded 13 goals this season to Vela's league-best 19. Vela's 12 assists are also tops in MLS.

Following a decorated career playing for Europe's biggest clubs, the clash between L.A.'s two sides marks the 37-year-old's latest derby.

"That (derby) atmosphere keeps me alive, that keeps me on my toes," Ibrahimovic added. "Hopefully, it will be a nice atmosphere like that on Friday. I think it will be. It gives you energy it gives you adrenaline."

The Galaxy head into Friday's match sitting third in the west, 12 points adrift of their local rivals.