Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is ready to win silverware with Los Angeles Galaxy after appearing to confirm his move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club from Manchester United.
The 36-year-old Swedish striker left United on Thursday (March 22) when the Premier League club agreed to terminate his contract.
“After being in Europe, winning 33 trophies, playing in the best teams in the world, playing with the best players in the world, I wanted to come to the US and play my game there,” Ibrahimovic said in an interview in the LA Times.
“I wanted people to enjoy my game there and to win. And I chose the Galaxy to do that.”
There was still no official confirmation from Galaxy but Dan Beckerman, the president of entertainment giant AEG, the Galaxy’s parent organisation, said Ibrahimovic would become one of the biggest stars in the Hollywood city.
“He’s giving up a lot to come here,” Beckerman told the LA Times. “He’s made it clear he’s coming here to win championships. It’s not about the money.
“L.A. is a place for stars, and he’s going to be one of the brightest stars that’s ever played in this market. In any sport.”
Ibrahimovic, who scored 62 goals in 116 games for Sweden and won league titles in Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and France, is reported to have accepted US$3 million (S$3.94 million) over two seasons to play for Galaxy, a huge wage cut from his United salary.
After a largely frustrating time at Old Trafford, where he was troubled by injuries and limited to only seven appearances this season, he said he was ready for action.
“I am ready to go now,” Ibrahimovic said. “First of all, I’m there to play football. I’m not there for something else. My first objective is to play football and do what I’m good at.
“I’m excited to come over and to get the experience with the Galaxy and to explore how the football is there. I want to be part of it and make it better.”
Reuters
