Former Manchester United (MU) striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a name for himself at the Old Trafford in just one season. However, a horrific knee injury meant he endured a tough phase during his final months at the professional club.
Having signed for free in the summer of 2016, the veteran striker lit Premier League with his dazzling dribbling and extraordinary finishing. He carried the team on his shoulders during ace manager Jose Mourinho’s first season and helped them win three titles.
Ibrahimovic managed to score 28 goals in his first season that was cut short after his knee injury in March. But despite the injury, he had managed to engrave his name in the history of MU.
After the injury, there were doubts whether then 35-year old can return back to football again.
But Zlatan put all the doubts to bed and managed a remarkable comeback after just eight months. But he was nowhere near the player he was back in March, which impacted his performances on the pitch.
The Swedish legend now revealed that he suggested Mourinho to “select someone else” as he tried to get back to full fitness.
He managed a comeback in November, but aggravated injury again and was sidelined for few more weeks. He eventually signed for LA Galaxy in March earlier this year.
“When I was ready, I said to myself ‘I am not there. They had a Zlatan before. After, I was not ready to be that Zlatan,” he said.
“I was selected in many of the games but I told the coach: ‘Listen, I am not ready. I don’t want to disappoint you. The respect I have for my teammates and the coach. Select someone else who can do the job better.’ I stood up and did it, even if I am Zlatan,” he maintained.
After his injury, the Swedish was out of contract in 2017. But MU opted to exercise the option of extending his contract by another year.
However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed his intention was not to have money but instead to play football again.
“The situation was not about having a contract and earning money,” says Ibrahimovic. “It was all the opposite. I said ‘I don’t want a salary, you keep it.'”
The 37-year-old is now plying his trade for LA Galaxy in the United States (US). He announced his arrival in the best way possible by scoring a brace after coming as a substitute in his debut game.
Zlatan had scored 11 goals in the league so far and is amongst the finest players in MLS since his arrival.
“Every time I put on my football shoes, I am enjoying the moment because after the bad injury I had there were not many hopes I could play again,” he said.