Zlatan set for Hollywood ending after Man Utd exit
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy and could make his debut for the Major League Soccer side this month, US media reported on Thursday. The Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated both reported Ibrahimovic had inked a deal with the Galaxy shortly before Premier League giants Manchester United confirmed the Swedish star had been released from his Old Trafford contract.
Sports Illustrated said Ibrahimovic’s move to California would be officially announced in a full-page advertisement in Friday’s edition of the Los Angeles Times. MLS rules allow clubs to sign three designated players who are not subject to salary limits, a rule introduced when David Beckham arrived in the league in 2007.
However, because the Galaxy have already signed their designated players for the 2018 season, Ibrahimovic’s salary will be limited to around $1.5 million according to Sports Illustrated report.
That represents a fraction of the reported $26.8 million a season Ibrahimovic was paid after signing for United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. The Galaxy have a history of luring ageing stars to America with Beckham,
LOS ANGELES:
Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane among those to have made the move to Los Angeles.
Former England international Ashley Cole is the club’s current captain. Ibrahimovic, 36, hasn’t featured at all for Jose Mourinho’s United side since being substituted at half-time in a 2-2 draw with Burnley on December 26.
The Swede scored 28 goals in 46 appearances during a stunning first season in England before tearing knee ligaments in a Europa League tie against Anderlecht in April.
His form was rewarded with an extension of his contract for a second season, but the $105 million signing of Romelu Lukaku saw him slip down the pecking order at Old Trafford. In a statement on Thursday, United said Ibrahimovic would leave the club with their blessing.
“Manchester United confirms that it has agreed to the termination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect,” United said.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Zlatan for his contribution to the team since his arrival and wishes him well for the future.”