Humble he’s not, Man U’s new ‘God’
WHETHER or not Manchester United can regain its winning momentum under Jose Mourinho will be put to the test in the coming months.
However, what fans can be sure of is a colourful exhibition, with the coach leading from the sidelines and new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic providing the on-field antics.
Ibrahimovic is already grabbing media attention even before the season kicks off, responding to club legend Eric Cantona’s claim of being the king of the former English Premier League (EPL) champions by saying he will be “god” at Old Trafford.
Cantona, who wore the Manchester United jersey from 1992-1997, welcomed the Swedish forward to the English powerhouse with a message saying the move was the best decision he had ever made.
“I have a personal message for Zlatan: you decided to go red. It is the best choice you ever made,” Cantona said in his welcome message.
“When you walk into the Theatre of Dreams. When you can feel the ghosts of the legends that have been here before. When you score that first goal right in front of Stretford End. When you hear the crowd chanting your name. When your heart beats so strong that it bursts out of your chest. When you feel that you will love them as much as they will love you.
“You will know, my friend, that you finally made it home.”
The Frenchman, one of the greatest players to grace Old Trafford, with four EPL titles and two League and FA Cups during his five-year stint, asserted that there could be only one king in Manchester, himself, and offered Ibrahimovic the title of a prince.
“Just one last thing: there can only be one king in Manchester. You can be the prince if you want to. And the number 7 is yours if you are interested. That is my welcome gift to you… The king is gone! Long live the prince,” said Cantona, who netted 64 times from 143 appearances for Manchester United.
But the talismanic Swedish forward was not too keen to accept the role of a prince and replied to the French legend with his trademark swagger.
“I admire Cantona. And I heard what he said,” Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by The Telegraph on Monday.
“But I won’t be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester.”
The Swedish striker signed for United earlier this month on a free transfer. Last season Ibrahimovic played for French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain. Following a low key Euro 2016 campaign, he quit international football after 115 games and 62 goals for Sweden.