It’s time for Zlatan to grace the Premier League.
On Friday Manchester United announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed for them on a one-year contract.
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Ibrahimovic, 34, has never previously played in the PL and the nomadic striker will once again link up with Jose Mourinho as a new era at Old Trafford begins.
So, United will possess two of the most successful players and managers in the game today, plus their sizable egos.
After scoring 50 goals in 51 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain last season, Ibrahimovic is proving age is just a number. He’s been prolific in his last four seasons for PSG, scoring 156 goals in 180 appearances as he led Les Parisiens to four-straight Ligue 1 titles.
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The former Malmo, Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan striker is hoping to lead United to similar success.
Mourinho, who worked with the enigmatic Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan, spoke glowingly about the Swedish striker who retired from international soccer following their exit from EURO 2016.
“Zlatan needs no introduction. The statistics speak for themselves. Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 per cent,” Mourinhos said. “He has won the most important league championships in the world of football, now he has the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and I know he will grasp this opportunity and will work hard to help the team win titles. I am certain that his talent will delight fans at Old Trafford next season and that his experience will be invaluable in helping to develop the younger players in the squad.”
The fact that Mourinho mentions Ibrahimovic helping United’s younger players is crucial, as the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard will all learn plenty from the journeyman.
Zlatan still has it, so don’t expect to see him sat on the bench often next season and his knack for one-liners means he will never be far from the front and back pages.
He has come to United to play and now we will see if he can do in the PL what he’s done everywhere else he has gone: score goals and make headlines... good and bad.