Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs new Manchester United contract

AUG 24, 2017

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has re-signed for Manchester United on a one-year contract.

The Sweden superstar is still recovering from a serious knee injury, which cut short a superb debut season at Old Trafford in April after 28 goals in 46 games.

The 35-year-old has posted regular, positive bulletins on his progress, and United have seen enough to sign him up until the end of the season.

"I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club's intention for me to stay," Ibrahimovic said.

"I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready. I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch."

The former PSG, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus striker will wear the No 10 shirt, formerly in Wayne Rooney's possession, after new £90m signing Romelu Lukaku took the No 9 jersey in pre-season.

But Ibrahimovic told ESPN FC: "Lukaku called me and said "bro can I get the No 9 shirt?". I said "I'm not on that level that I will make it difficult for you, I just want you to feel happy and feel welcome.

"So I give you the No 9. But I will take the No 10". That's the way we do it. So I never left, I just upgraded my number.

"Signing Lukaku makes us even stronger because he has different qualities from me as a striker and from Rashford as a striker. He is a powerful guy and he brings extra qualities in a game."

Jose Mourinho said: "We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us.

"After his contribution last season, he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season."

Ibrahimovic's first-season goals tally included a winning double in the EFL Cup final against Southampton, but the injury saw him miss out on the Europa League final against Ajax.