(Los Angeles): Decorated Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic exits Manchester United and has signed for Los Angeles Galaxy. The 36 year-old could make his debut in Major League Soccer side this month, Sports Illustrated reported today. Hours after reports in Britain said Ibrahimovic had played his last game for Manchester United, Sports Illustrated reported on its website the Swedish star had inked a deal with the Galaxy.
The report terms that the transfer would be announced in a full-page adverstisement in Friday’s edition of the Los Angeles Times.
The Galaxy have a history of signing some of the most influential EPL products to America like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane.
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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 the first season in England before tearing knee ligaments in a Europa League encounter against Anderlecht in April.
His form was rewarded with an extension of his contract for a second season, but the 75 million ($105 million) signing of Romelu Lukaku saw him slip down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
In the present time, several clubs have emphasized on signing younger players from South America rather than the European giants who are in their 30’s. His reported arrival in America, is no less than a shocker for many.
Although the Galaxy are the most successful club in MLS history with a record five championships, their fortunes have slipped in the recent seasons. Last year the club finished bottom of the Western Conference with only eight wins from 34 games.
Manchester United released the following statement on Thursday afternoon…
“Manchester United confirms that it has agreed to the termination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect.
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.”
Zlatan posted on his Instagram page shortly after the news and said: “Great things also come to an end and it is time to move on after two fantastic seasons with Manchester United. 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”
