ZLATAN SET FOR HOLLYWOOD ENDING AFTER EXIT FROM UNITED
Ibrahimovic set for Hollywood ending after United exit
LONDON: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy and could make his debut for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side this month, United States media reported.
The Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated both reported Ibrahimovic had inked a deal with the Galaxy shortly before English Premier League giants Manchester United confirmed the Swedish star had been released from his Old Trafford contract.
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 sea- son, Ibrahimovic’s salary will be limited to around US$1.5mil (RM5.9mil) according to the Sports Illustrated report.
That represents a fraction of the reported £19mil (RM105mil) a season Ibrahimovic was paid after signing for United from Paris St Germain in 2016.
The Galaxy have a history of luring ageing stars to America with Beckham, 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 Dec 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 £75mil (RM414mil) 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 arriv- al and wishes him well for the future.”
News of Ibrahimovic’s move to California is the latest and likely final stop on a glittering career which has seen the 1.95m forward collect 31 winners medals during spells with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris St Germain and United.
As well as delivering on the pitch, Ibrahimovic’s larger-thanlife persona has delighted fans wherever he has played.
Upon departing PSG in 2016, he famously quipped: “I came like a king, left like a legend.”
He was similarly flamboyant during his spell with United, saying earlier this season his recovery from his knee injury was down to the fact that “lions don’t recover like humans.”