Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surgeon has explained why the Swede decided to leave Manchester United prior to the expiry of his contract during the summer.
The 36-year-old marksman signed up with MLS side LA Galaxy earlier this month, shortly after his exit was confirmed from Old Trafford by mutual consent.
Despite his premature exit, Ibrahimovic made quite an impression with 29 goals for United across all competitions, whilst celebrating League Cup and Europa League success.
His miraculous return from a serious knee injury in November had brought signs of more to come, but unfortunately, he could only manage a further six appearances.
Speaking on the South China Morning Post, Ibrahimovic’s doctor Freddy Fu revealed that the striker’s decision to sign a new contract last summer was more to do with United’s efforts in the Champions League.
“His idea was to try to go again and win more titles, especially the Champions League. When United went out, I think he felt that it was enough. They may be able to win the FA Cup, which is good, but not as important as the UCL,” he said.
The Champions League title eluded Ibrahimovic during his two-decade long playing career, and the Swede had hoped to realise his dream with United, who were tipped to at least reach the latter stages of the elite competition.
However, a rather embarrassing defeat to Sevilla saw them ousted in just the round of 16 stage of the competition, and this urged Ibrahimovic to move on, as he was unlikely to displace Romelu Lukaku at Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic has won valuable piece of silverware wherever he has plyed his trade during his professional career, and he may have one final opportunity with Galaxy, who are on a rebuilding phase after last year’s horrendous performance.
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