MADRID: Barcelona`s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put an end to speculation that he is leaving the Spanish champions, saying Thursday that he is staying put at the club.

"I am a Barcelona player and I will continue to be one," the 28-year-old was quoted by Barcelona`s website as saying at a news conference in Oslo ahead of a friendly against Norwegian side Valerenga.

"The rumours have not affected me because I have not had any doubts that I want to stay. I have taken them as a compliment."

Ibrahimovic said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola who told him he was "important" to him.

"I will continue to work as hard as possible to maintain his confidence," he added.

Barcelona signed Spain striker David Villa, who shone during the World Cup, from Valencia in May, fuelling speculation that Ibrahimovic was on his way out.

The Swede joined Barcelona from Inter Milan in last year in a deal worth 75 million euros but he had a mixed first season at the Catalan club.

BDST: 2244 HRS, JULY 29, 2010