Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a Los Angeles Galaxy player.
Having bid farewell to his former Manchester United teammates earlier in the week, the 36-year-old has touched down in California and given his first press conference as a Major League Soccer player.
Speaking to reporters, he explained how he’d intended to join the Galaxy two years ago, only to end up signing for Jose Mourinho’s United.
“It [the move] was supposed to happen before Manchester United. My head was here. I wanted to come here,” he said.
Ibrahimovic joined United on a free transfer in 2016 after his spell at Paris Saint-Germain came to an end. Despite finishing last season as the club’s top scorer, he ruptured knee ligaments in their Europa League quarter final with Anderlecht, ensuring a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
With the Swedish international yet to take up the offer of a one-year extension at Old Trafford at that point, he was initially released by United, only to be re-signed in August.
However, having made his comeback from injury, Ibrahimovic only made seven appearances for United this season, scoring once.
“Things go like they are not supposed to go, but the destiny said I will come here,” he explained. “Los Angles called and I answered.”
Along with his first press conference at the club, the Galaxy also released special behind-the-scenes footage of his arrival. As well as delivering a typically Zlatan response to the sight of the club’s trophy cabinet, the footage also shows his meeting with new teammate, Ashley Cole.
Judging by what’s said, it seems the pair may have discussed the possibility of playing in America some time ago.
“I told you I will come six years ago,” Ibrahmovic says. “You remember?”
“We’re the old boys here, eh?”
"So these are the trophies, eh? We bring the sixth one."
Behind the scenes on Zlatan's first day with the #LAGalaxy. pic.twitter.com/mCBPDmo02E
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 31, 2018
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender moved to the Galaxy in 2016 after a spell with AS Roma.
