Zlatan is back: Ibrahimovic signs new one year deal, will wear No. 10
Manchester United’s leading goal scorer from last season is returning to the club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged 28 goals in all competitions last season before his season was cut short following his ACL tear in April.
Following the season-ending knee injury, United declined to pick up his option for an additional year. However, Zlatan set to fully recover well ahead of schedule, and is delighted to be back officially.
“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.”
United announced Tuesday that the two sides have agreed on a new one-year deal which will see Zlatan don the vacant No. 10 shirt.
“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,” manager Jose Mourinho said.
United’s dependence on Ibrahimovic last season was worrisome, however, the new look Red Devils have made strides following the arrival of their new signings, and Zlatan approves.
“I’m happy he [Lukaku] came,” Ibrahimovic said speaking to ESPN. “The team is much stronger than last season. We lost Rooney, who is a legend at the club, but we bought three new players. With these three new players the team is stronger.”
And adding Zlatan will only make United’s attack that much more lethal in front of goal.
“I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay,” Zlatan said to United’s official site.
After allowing new teammate, Romelu Lukaku, to take the No. 9 shirt (with Zlatan’s permission, of course) Ibrahimovic has settled for United’s legendary No. 10.
Speaking on United new attack, Zlatan likes the versatility the squad now possesses.
“Signing Lukaku makes us even stronger because he has different qualities from me as a striker and from Rashford as a striker. He’s a powerful guy and he will bring some extra quality in the game.”
Ibrahimovic was initially thought to be ruled out until at least 2018, but it seems that he may even be match-ready before the end of the year.
Zlatan will continue to be a leader in the locker room. Something that was needed following the departure of Wayne Rooney to Everton.
While not 100% yet, how could anyone doubt Ibrahimovic to not pick up right where he left off. While he might not have the same role as last season, he still wants the same pressure and expectations.
“I want to have the same pressure like every year I had. The same expectation like always,” Zlatan said.
The Swede helped get United to the Europa League final. And while he missed playing in his home country, his team defeated Ajax and secured Champions League football for this season. A huge goal for the club.
Jose Mourinho hopes that Ibrahimovic will be available for selection around the midway point of the season. Just in time for the Champions League knockout stages.
“I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season,” the manager said.
Next: Paul Pogba: A future Ball d’Or winner?
As United return to the most elite club competition in the world, it’s only fitting that one of the most storied players of all time returns to help United reach the top of the pedestal of world football once again.