Zlatan Ibrahimovic came, saw and conquered Paris. Now it’s time for the Swedish soccer superstar to take his talents elsewhere.
Ibrahimovic announced Friday on his social media accounts that he’ll leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer when his contract expires. He confirmed his departure in perhaps the most Zlatan-esque manner.
The 34-year-old striker leaves PSG as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer after just four seasons. He notched 152 goals in just 178 games and could add to both totals this weekend in PSG’s final game of the season.
PSG bid farewell to a player, who helped it become a domestic and European powerhouse upon his arrival in 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3ObcPDFcD4
In a statement on the club’s website, Ibrahimovic thanked everyone connected to PSG and promised he’d return to the club one day.
“I am very proud of the last four years,” he said, according to Sky Sports. “I loved every day I spent here. PSG has become a star club internationally and I played a key role moving it forward.
“It is now the right time for me to take a different path. I would like to thank my team-mates, the technical staff and all the people in the club.
“My heart is with the fans. They were amazing from the first day I came here. They are the best fans in France. It is not a farewell but only an au revoir. I came like a king, I leave like a legend, but I will be back.”
Potential next stop
Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola said in January his client would fit perfectly in the Premier League, sparking months of rumor-mill spinning. The veteran marksman is available as a free agent but he’ll command an astronomical salary.
Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked with Manchester United, but that move likely is dependent on manager Louis van Gaal — with whom Ibrahimovic clashed in the past — leaving Old Trafford and Jose Mourinho replacing him.
London clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham also could pursue Ibrahimovic.
However the Independent’s Jack de Menezes reported Friday that British oddsmakers have picked Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy as favorites to sign Ibrahimovich. Sky Italia also believes Ibrahimovic is heading to MLS.
Stay tuned, as this story is just heating up.
Thumbnail photo via Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports Images
