Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a new one-year Manchester United contract; the club confirmed Thursday. The Swedish striker will wear the extremely iconic number 10 shirt, and told the world: “I am back to finish what I started.”
Ibrahimovic, who came over last summer on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, was the club’s leading scorer last season, but suffered a gruesome knee injury on April 20 in the Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is our new number 10 ???? pic.twitter.com/4JdhAUSPl2
— Man Utd Channel (@ManUtdChannel) August 24, 2017
His one year deal with United had expired in June and the club decided not to extend it. Since then he remained a free agent while conducting his rehabilitation activities at United’s training and medical facilities.The world’s second most decorated footballer, with 33 trophies in his career, is officially back with the Red Devils as of today. When he’s match fit, he will give United added depth at striker. It will be interesting to see how the UK betting sites alter their league title odds now with the Ibrahimovic addition. Perhaps the Red Devils will close the favorites gap on Manchester City now, or even overtake them.
A statement attributed to manager Jose Mourinho (who confirmed this deal was coming last week) reads:
“We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us. After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a 1 yr contract extension
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he is a Swedish hero
On a free from PSG he cost us f**king zero pic.twitter.com/zmwa6hGoqQ— MUFC Songs & Chants™ (@MufcSongs) August 24, 2017
A statement attributed to Zlatan Ibrahimovic reads:
“I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay. I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready.”
“I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.”
Here are some of the more interesting and entertaining Twitter reactions to this huge news, which broke just an hour ago.
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/900708258687668224
https://twitter.com/Sporf/status/899319533479096320
Yes, the chant can continue…#SwedishHero #MUFC #ZlatanTimehttps://t.co/MS2x0vo7XM https://t.co/Dxv108Kf7W
— MUFChicago (@MUFChicago) August 24, 2017
The beast is back. Now add CR7 & we are all set. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/VCPhAUWK7q
— Dave P (@mufcRedInBed) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/900727903566082048
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.
