Striker’s American dream is now reality

ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has explained he left United because he wanted to play in the Major League Soccer.

The 36-year-old was released from his United contract on Thursday and has agreed to join the LA Galaxy on a two-year contract after spending 20 months with United.

Ibrahimovic managed only two starts and five substitute appearances for United after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He was training with the first team during his last four weeks with the club but was not considered for selection as his agent Mino Raiola finalised a move to Los Angeles.

Sweden great Ibrahimovic has holidayed on America’s west coast on a number of occasions and announced his arrival in California with a full-page advert in the LA Times which simply read: “Dear Los Angeles, You’re welcome, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

Ibrahimovic was lauded as ‘one of the brightest stars that’s ever played in this market’ by Dan Beckerman, the president of the Galaxy’s parent organisation AEG, but Ibrahimovic insists football will be his focus across the Atlantic.

“After being in Europe, winning 33 trophies, playing in the best teams in the world, playing with the best players in the world, I wanted to come to the US and play my game there,” Ibrahimovic told the LA Times.

“I wanted people to enjoy my game there and to win. And I chose the Galaxy to do that. I am ready to go now. First of all, I’m there to play football. I’m not there for something else.”