Zlatan Ibrahimovic's LA Galaxy move is Europe's loss, says Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho
Posted Monday, April 02, 2018 by squawka.com
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho thinks the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy represents a blow to European football.
The Swedish striker agreed a deal with the MLS side last week, ending speculation about where the former Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United player would sign next.
Ibrahimovic made an instant impact on Saturday as LA Galaxy came from three goals down to beat LAFC 4-3 in an MLS fixture, with the 36-year-old debutant scoring his new club's equaliser and stoppage-time winner.
At a press conference on Friday, Mourinho called Ibrahimovic "a huge player" for European football to be losing but thinks he can have a positive effect on the game in the United States.
"For me, it's always sad when the big players move towards the end," Mourinho told reporters.
"I remember Luis Figo's last match with me and Inter, it was one of my saddest moments. I always feel sad when the big ones finish or go to the last period of their career.
"The Zlatan goodbye was more in that direction, he's a huge, big player that top European Football is losing now and will lose forever because he will not be back to this level of football."
The United boss added: "But I think fantastic for him in this period, I think it's a fantastic way for him to go from being a player to being a former player. I think this period with LA Galaxy will be very good for him.
"It will be very good for American football because of what he can do, what he can teach, what he can attract. His personality, his passion for football and the level of professionalism he always has.
"Even his recovery from his injury was an example of what a professional should be. I think it's the MLS and US, as a football country, that is going to get more than what Zlatan is going to get from it.
"For him it will just be a way to enjoy the last couple of years of football."
Ibrahimovic becomes the latest former Premier League star to make the move across the Atlantic, following in the footsteps of players like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Thierry Henry to name a few.
During his time at Old Trafford, Ibrahimovic scored 17 goals in 33 Premier League appearances and is now looking forward to the next challenge in his career.
Speaking to the official LA Galaxy website the Swedish forward said: "Coming to play in the United States, it is only fitting for me to play for the most successful side in Major League Soccer, LA Galaxy.
"I am excited to join a club with a winning legacy that has embodied soccer in Los Angeles for over 20 years.
"I would like to thank everyone at the club for making it possible for me to play for the LA Galaxy.
"I am looking forward to joining my teammates, playing at StubHub Centre in front of our fans and helping our team compete this season."
Ibrahimovic has certainly had a glowing career thus far with honours that include two Dutch titles, three Serie A victories, one La Liga title as well as four French Ligue 1 titles. He was also part of the Manchester United side that won the League Cup and Europa League in 2017.
LA Galaxy's next game comes against Sporting KC a week on Monday.
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