ZlatanIbrahimovic confirmed soccer’s worst-kept secret Thursday when he announced his intention to sign with Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. Now the superstar striker tells us why he chose to do so.
It boils down to three words: “winning” and Jose Mourinho.
In his first interview as a Manchester United player, Ibrahimovic on Friday revealed to the club’s TV network that the prospect of winning the Premier League (and more) with the storied club under Mourinho, one of his favorite bosses, lured him to Old Trafford.
Ladies and gentlemen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. #ZlatanTime https://t.co/D0pgGpG8zQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
Much of what Ibrahimovic said repeats what leading journalists have written about his future in recent months. Ibrahimovic and Mourinho worked together at Italian club Inter Milan in the 2008-09 season and forged a bond, which endures to this day. When Manchester United hired Mourinho as manager in May, many assumed its chances of winning the Ibrahimovic sweepstakes dramatically increased. The fortune has come to pass, as one of the soccer world’s brightest stars of the last 10 years takes his talents to Manchester United.
Ibrahimovic’s new teammates are happy with his decision.
Welcome to the Theater of Dreams @ibra_official 👊🏻 #ZlatanTime
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 1, 2016
Mourinho might be more elated than anyone over Ibrahimovic’s transfer.
“Zlatan needs no introduction,” Mourinho told Manchester United’s website. “The statistics speak for themselves. Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 percent. He has won the most important league championships in the world of football, now he has the opportunity to play in the best league in the world, and I know he will grasp this opportunity and will work hard to help the team win titles. I am certain that his talent will delight fans at Old Trafford next season and that his experience will be invaluable in helping to develop the younger players in the squad.”
Be afraid, Premier League. Be very afraid.
