The Zlatan Ibrahimovic era at Manchester United was a mixed bag to say the least. The larger than life Swede came over on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016, and quickly established himself as United’s leading scorer for the ’16-’17 season. He was an integral part of United’s Europa League and EFL Cup triumphs, but he hasn’t been the same since tearing up his knee in the Europa League quarterfinals in April.
This season has been a major struggle, as Ibrahimovic came back much earlier than expected from his knee injury in November, but hasn’t show his usual fine form. Ibra suffered a relapse of his knee injury on Boxing Day, and he hasn’t featured since.
United manager Jose Mourinho confirmed to a news conference on Friday that Zlatan will finish out the season at Old Trafford and then move on. Mourinho doesn’t know if Ibrahimovic will play for another team (he has been strongly linked to the L.A. Galaxy of MLS lately), or retire.
“For Zlatan, we all think it’s his last season at Manchester United and it will be a very personal decision for him to play or to stop,” Mourinho said.
“I think he has won the right of choosing his life, his future, such an amazing player and amazing career that only that awful injury in the wrong moment broke a fantastic couple of seasons he could and should have with us.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to training, and the United boss is hopeful that his huge name center forward could make an appearance before the season is through.
“This season has been really difficult for him. He’s not injured,” continued Mourinho.
“Does he feel totally happy, ready and convinced that he’s in conditions to help the team in this moment? No, but he’s such an honest guy and such a champion he only wants to be back with that feeling of I’m totally ready for it.”
“So he’s working hard and hopefully his evolution brings him to that level he wants to have a positive answer.”
Ibrahimovic arrived on a one year deal in 2016, and the club extended it for another season in June. Thus, he’ll be able to move on a free transfer in the summer.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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