The rumored move of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Manchester United to the LA Galaxy became official Friday, and it was announced in a very Zaltan way.
The Galaxy announced the signing on Friday with a tweet and video that featured Ibrahimovic emerging from darkness and a lion.
"Los Angeles, welcome to Zlatan," the 36-year-old forward says in the video.
He also took out a full page ad in the Los Angeles Times that read: "Dear Los Angeles, You're welcome."
It's all part of the world of Zlatan.
He is Sweden's career scoring leader with 62 goals in 116 international appearances and is the first player to make Champions League appearances for seven teams.
"The hope is that he can perform for us on the field, and that has to be a starting point for us. Certainly, every time you speak to him, it is all about succeeding and performing," said Galaxy President Chris Klein. "Beyond that, he’s a big personality and he has the feel of a Galaxy player. We're enthusiastic to introduce him to our team and our fans. We think it’s going to be exciting."
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Two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press said the Swedish star signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal had not yet been announced. The agreement was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
He left Paris Saint-Germain for Manchester United ahead of the 2016-17 season but since injuring his right knee on April 20 has made just two starts and five substitute appearances, scoring his only goal Dec. 20 against Bristol City in the League Cup. Manager Jose Mourinho has not used him since a Premier League match against Burnley on Dec. 26.
Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United as a free agent in July 2016. He has made 53 appearances with the club, scoring 29 goals.
Ibrahimovic has four months left on his contract with the team, but Mourinho said at a news conference earlier this month that he did not expect him to stay.
"I think he has won the right of choosing his life, his future, such an amazing player and amazing career that only that awful injury in the wrong moment broke a fantastic couple of seasons he could and should have with us," Mourinho said.
