Zlatan Ibrahimovic joins Manchester United: Swedish striker to rest after Euro 2016
KEY POINTS
- The 34-year-old uncertain over when he will start pre-season after summer exploits.
- Ibrahimovic has agreed a one-year contract with United after leaving PSG.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is uncertain over when he will make his Manchester United debut after insisting he needs rest following the summer's European Championships. The 34-year-old captained Sweden in all three of their games at Euro 2016 as they crashed out at the group stage and plans to take time out of the sport before starting pre-season.
Ibrahimovic's move to Old Trafford on a one-year deal was confirmed on Friday [1 July] following the expiration of his deal at Paris Saint Germain - where he won four league titles in as many seasons. Formerly of Barcelona and Juventus, Ibrahimovic has a remarkable record having won league championships in 10 of his last 11 seasons.
The move sees him link up with former manager Jose Mourinho following the pair's brief spell together at Inter Milan as the pair hope to return United to the summit of the Premier League after three years of failing to challenge for the title. But supporters may have to wait for their first sighting of Ibrahimovic after confirming he will take a break before starting his United career.
"Now I breathe out because everything is done after all the talks and speculation! Now it is official, I am a United player and I am the happiest in the world," he told the United official website. "But now I need a bit of rest after the long season and after the Euros. I will take my rest. How long that will be? I will discuss it with the boss and we will see.
"I am super happy and super excited. I am looking forward to the season that is coming. You are great and keep supporting the team. This year will be exciting and there will be great things happening. Keep pushing up and we will give back to you. Hopefully we will give back more than one trophy."
United's players not involved in Euro 2016 will start training next week ahead of a five pre-season matches starting against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in two International Champions Cup fixtures in China. A friendly against Galatasaray in the Swedish city of Gothenburg on 30 July follows before Wayne Rooney's testimonial against Everton and the Community Shield against Leicester City at Wembley.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.