Brace yourselves, soccer fans in the United States. Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be coming this way.
Ibrahimovic applied for a non-tourist visa at the U.S. embassy in Paris last month, Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet reported Sunday, according to Sky Sports.
“‘He was there on March 19 and applied,’ ” an anonymous source told Aftonbladet, Sky Sports reported.
Ibrahimovic could be considering an extended stay in the United States, which likely would include playing for a Major League Soccer club in the not-too-distant future. Aftonbladet also cited rumors claiming Ibrahimovic’s impending U.S. visit could be related to an endorsement contract.
Ibrahimovic, 33, remains one of world soccer’s genuine superstars. The Swedish striker currently stars for French club Paris Saint-Germain, with which he has a contract that expires in 2016. Ibrahimovic reportedly is enjoying his time with PSG, but he previously has hinted at playing in the United States someday.
The timing of the report suggests Ibrahimovic could be setting the stage for a U.S. move next summer following the 2016 UEFA European Championship (which also coincides with the U.S.-based 2016 Copa America Centenario).
Euro 2016 will garner a lot of attention in the United States, and signing Ibrahimovic after tournament would be a coup for MLS and the lucky team he chooses. Ibrahimovic will be 34 in July 2016, but age is nothing but a number when it comes to “Ibra” and his otherworldly exploits on the field.
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Thumbnail photo via Claude Paris/The Associated Press
