Swedish striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has completed his much anticipated move to Manchester United.
The 34-year-old forward, who was a free agent after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired last month, joined the 20-time English champions on a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Done deal! #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/7W2qsnXtXw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
It will be the well-travelled Ibrahimovic’s first spell playing in England, having also played in Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France.
He kitted for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan before his last adventure in the French capital.
“I compare it with the (Floyd) Mayweather-(Manny) Pacquiao fight,” Ibrahimovic likened his latest move to the 2015 world championship boxing bout. “They said it would never happen, but it happened.
“I am super happy. My decision was the easiest part. The rest was a puzzle but the puzzle came together.”
Ibrahimovic has won league titles in four countries, including a hat trick of successes at Inter Milan where he worked briefly under new United manager Jose Mourinho.
“The only regret I have with Jose was that I had a short time with him. I had one season (2008-9),” Ibrahimovic said. “We won together, we enjoyed together and we had a great time together.
“I learned a lot and I got to know him … he is a winner; I am a winner. We know both what we want: we want to win. Wherever we go, we win. And we will win.”
United are relying on their thirst for glory to power the club back up the Premier League standings and back into the Champions League.
“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,” Mourinho said.
Ibrahimovic scored 38 goals in 31 French league games last season, as PSG eased to a fourth successive title by a remarkable 96 points; 31 above second placed Lyon.
“Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 percent,” Mourinho added. “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.”
