Swedish superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic completed his transfer to English Premier League giants Manchester United on Friday on a free transfer.
The 34-year-old — who left French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season having scored 156 goals in 180 appearances — is reunited with Jose Mourinho, under whom he played at Inter Milan.
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League,” said Ibrahimovic.
“It goes without saying that I cannot wait to work with Jose Mourinho once again.
“He is a fantastic manager and I am ready for this new and exciting challenge.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far and have some great memories. I am now ready to create more special memories in England.”
Ibrahimovic, who has won four league titles in different countries but never the Champions League, will not only be a crowd pleaser but also help the development of younger players, claimed Mourinho.
“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 percent,” said Mourinho, who along with Ibrahimovic shares an antipathy towards Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
“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.”
Ibrahimovic, who had a poor Euro 2016 failing to score and retired from international football after Sweden’s first round elimination, is Mourinho’s second signing since he replaced Louis van Gaal at the end of May after that of highly-rated Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly from Villarreal.
Mourinho has been tasked with making United realistic title contenders again after barren years under first David Moyes and then van Gaal, who was sacked having delivered the FA Cup but crucially not Champions League football for next season.
No comments:
Post a Comment