Ibrahimovic leaves Man Utd to play in US
LONDON: Zlatan Ibrahimovic said farewell to Manchester United yesterday after the English Premier League club agreed to terminate the Swedish striker’s contract before an expected move to Los Angeles Galaxy.
‘‘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,’’ United said on its website.
The 36yearold, who is Sweden’s record international goalscorer with 62 strikes in 116 games, has been linked with a move to the United States.
‘‘Great things also come to an end and it is time to move on after two fantastic seasons with Manchester United,’’ he said in a message to his 30 million followers on Instagram.
‘‘Thank you to the club, the fans, the team, the coach, the staff and everybody who shared with me this part of my history. #foreverred.’’
Ibrahimovic began his career with hometown team Malmo in 1999 and played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris St Germain before joining United as a free agent at the start of last season.
That move reunited him with Jose Mourinho, his former manager at Inter.
He scored 28 goals in all competitions in his first season for United before sustaining a serious knee injury in April while playing in the Europa League against Belgian side Anderlecht.
He was resigned by United at the end of the season and returned to action in November, and made his last appearance for the club on December 26, against Burnley, before injury struck again. — Reuters