Jose Mourinho has hinted that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will retire at Manchester United
The 35-year-old Swede is United’s top scorer this season, having netted 16 times in 25 games. He has also scored 10 goals in his last 9 games and has quickly silenced those who doubted him. The man himself feels he is getting better with age, and that he can keep playing until he is 50 years old.
There were talks of a move to China or America for Ibrahimovic but Mourinho has quickly put an end to any of those rumours. The Manchester United manager has said that he intends to use the option of an additional year in Zlatan’s contract, and also hinted that the Swede would end his career with the Red Devils.
“I’m really happy for him. Maybe some people thought he was a top scorer but not any more at 35 years old. But for him, 35 is the same as 25, Ligue 1 is the same as the Premier League,” he said, according to Sky Sports. He scores goals, he plays well and I’m really happy for him because he will end his career on a high, which is amazing.”
“He’s not ending his career in America or in China, he’s ending his career at the top of the top. I’m really pleased with him. His record is good and he can improve. With no penalties, which is amazing too because normally the other guys that are top scorers around the world, they score a lot of penalties. He has had one penalty in 17 Premier League matches so I couldn’t be happier.”
Ibrahimovic had come in for some criticism in the past, with Michael Owen saying that the Swede “just stands around a lot.” Many felt that due to his diminishing pace, the forward was affecting United’s playing style and was a detriment to the team. However, Ibrahimovic has emphatically shut his doubters up with some strong performances in his recent outings.
The striker has also been a big figure in United’s dressing room, with Anthony Martial saying that he has been learning a lot from the big Swede. There are also rumours that Ibrahimovic will be offered a coaching role at United once he retires, although there has been no confirmation about this from either the club or the player himself.