Well, well, well. Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems set to return to Old Trafford by the end of this year.
The 36-year-old former Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan and Barcelona star scored 28 goals in 46 games for Manchester United but the curtain appeared drawn when he suffered a career-threatening knee injury in April against Anderlecht in the Europa League.
“In that moment when it happened, it was easier for me to say that I would come back because then I had a challenge,” he said.
“And the challenge was that I never had a major injury, and all these people talking that ‘it’s over’ or ‘he’s too old’ – all these doubts I had in my whole career.”
Although his contract with United expired in the summer, his quick recovery prompted the decision of prolonging his stay at the club. The announcement of a fresh one-year deal was made in August.
He returned to training last week posting the above photo on Instagram with fellow United players Eric Bailly and David De Gea.
“Don’t get too excited United fans, his return on the pitch is not coming soon,” manager Jose Mourinho has said.
“Zlatan is here, he’s working here, under our control, he’s working so, so, so, so hard but he’s not to be back in the next week or couple of weeks.”
However, he does have faith in the Swede.
“Let him take his time and be back when everyone feels is the right moment. Do I think he will be back in 2017? Yes I do.”
Manchester United recently posted this on Twitter.
Need that #FridayFeeling? We’re catching up with @Ibra_official – watch this space… pic.twitter.com/lc49qQnyol
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 27, 2017
Is “Watch this space” a hint that his return may be even sooner than expected?
With United currently second – five points adrift of leaders and rivals Manchester City – heading into Saturday’s exciting visit of Tottenham, they could really do with the power of Zlatan.
Could he be the missing piece for United to win the Premier League and take home the trophy?
Image courtesy of Zlatan via Instagram, with thanks.
