It is an amazing record for a player, seven consecutive league titles with four different clubs in three different countries. No other player can boast such a unique and impressive record that leaves no doubt that Ibrahimovic is a winner. Unfortunately, his lack of success in Europe has long overshadowed his domestic successes and his most recent failure to deliver in the Champions League has only cast more doubt.

After a troubled season at Barcelona Ibrahimovic moved back to Italy this time to don the colours of Milan. His arrival at the Milanello, followed by the signing of Robinho, signalled a new era for the Rossoneri who were without a league title since 2004. True to his reputation for being a master at winning league titles, Ibra quickly established himself as the club’s talisman and his sparkling form early in the season put Milan on track to break their Scudetto duck.

In total, the Big Swede contributed seventeen goals before the end of January along with eight assists. It seemed that Ibra would again lead another team to league title success.

But, then something went wrong. Ibra’s form declined and since January he has claimed just one goal and it came from the penalty spot. Why the Swede’s displays have dropped off is anyone’s guess. Fatigue, pressure or any unknown personal dilemma could be the reason. What is clear is that the former Inter star is frustrated.

Some have pointed to Milan’s recent elimination by Tottenham in the Champions League as the reason for his frustrations. Ibra’s performances in Europe have long been criticised for his failure to deliver at key moments. As the undoubted star of the Rossoneri, much hope was placed on his shoulders to guide the club to the quarter finals. But, as has become too often a sight, Ibra failed to deliver in Europe when his club really needed him to do so.

Yet, this explanation does not tell the whole story. Why it may be a factor in Ibra’s recent misconduct in his last two matches that have seen him pick up two needless red cards, the fact of the matter is that the Swede’s form since the end of January has left much to be desired.

Now, following Ibra’s expulsion in Florence he is set to miss the next three matches. With just six rounds remaining in Italy’s Serie A, his absence comes at a most crucial stage in his club’s bid to claim the Scudetto.

After being such an influential figure in helping place Milan in pole position to win the title, Ibra now will be forced to watch from the sidelines and hope that his team mates can finish what he helped to start.

It has been a real fall from grace. From being the hero earlier in the season, Ibra is now being derided by some of the club’s own fans as was seen at the Artemio Franchi stadium over the weekend. Sitting in the stand Andrea Galliani looked far from impressed either as did Max Allegri when Ibra received his marching orders.

In addition, in recent weeks there has been some speculation that Milan will not take the option granted to them to buy the Swede outright from the club that still currently own him, Barcelona. His drop in form and unwarranted conduct on the field may just have convinced the board that they will do better to let him go and invest their funds elsewhere.

The future of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now not so clear. If Milan do decide not to secure his move on a permanent basis he will not exactly be welcomed back to Barcelona with open arms. The Catalan outfit invested heavily in David Villa last summer as the replacement for Ibrahimovic whose frictious relationship with Josep Guardiola last season makes a return to Camp Nou highly unlikely.

Few clubs with the resources to purchase the Swede who will still demand a high transfer fee and equally high wages will be interested securing his signature this summer. His record in the Champions League is definitely going against him along with his recent dip in form and his tendency to play as an individual rather than as part of a team.

When Ibra does return from his suspension there still will be three games remaining in the season that could prove decisive. If Ibra is cast straight back into the side he will have the chance, albeit a small one, to prove his value to Milan and potential suitors. The Big Swede, who is now 29 years old, will hope to do this as career nears a critical juncture.