German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has asked Manchester United forward to join him in the Major League Soccer (MLS)
In an interview with German media outlet Sport, former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was asked whether he believed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic should leave the Red Devils and move to the MLS at the end of the Premier League season.
Without a moment’s hesitation, the Germany legend gave an affirmative response, and stated the Swede’s presence would be monumental to the MLS in the United States. Schweinsteiger said:
“Definitely. Players like him are certainly very important in a league like MLS. He’s a very professional sportsman and really gives you a lot of quality on the field.
“He may be [a bit eccentric] and sometimes I think he does it on purpose, but as a footballer, he’s really one of the best I’ve ever played with. He’s got a really, really good eye and that really impressed me.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger moved to Old Trafford at the start of last season after enjoying a fruitful association with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The then United boss Louis van Gaal hoped that the German’s experience would help guide the team in the direction.
However, due to his age, Schweinsteiger did not hit the heights he did during his days at Bayern. Also, he faced few injury setbacks towards the back end of the season, and van Gaal had an embarrassment of riches to choose from to replace the German.
After the Dutchman parted ways with the Manchester club in the summer, Jose Mourinho took over at the helm. The Portuguese boss opted against picking Schweinsteiger for the pre-season tour, and the writings were on the wall for an exit.
It eventually happened as the German moved to MLS club Chicago Fire in March. He is one of the key attractions in the league, and now wants Ibrahimovic to follow his footsteps and join him in the United States.
The Swedish superstar has continued shining in every club he’s been at as he has recorded an impressive 28 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season. He has been the saviour for the Manchester outfit on a number of occasions.
While putting pen to paper in the summer, Ibrahimovic agreed to a one-year contract with an option to extend it to another year. There have been contrasting reports as to whether or not he will continue as a United player, but his recent injury may have put his future in England in jeopardy.
The 35-year-old injured his knee ligament in the Europa League match against Anderlecht and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. With United hot on the heels of Antoine Griezmann, they could choose to let go of Ibrahimovic.
