Manchester United news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned down David Beckham for Jose Mourinho

The Sweden International had been heavily linked with a move to the Major League Soccer before signing for United

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 27 July 2016 11:25 BST
Comments
Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for United (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he turned down a personal offer from David Beckham to move to the Major League Soccer in favour of Manchester United.

The Sweden international had been heavily linked with a move to the United States after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain came to an end but ultimately opted to sign for Jose Mourinho on a one-year deal.

Speaking to Goal, Ibrahimovic admitted that he declined Beckham’s proposal to join the England icon at his new Miami-based team which is on course to be incorporated with the American league in 2018.

"David is a good friend of mine, and he has asked me to play for his [Miami] team," Ibrahimovic said.

"For now, I want to achieve big things with Manchester United, but I have a lot of respect for the MLS, and anything is possible."

Nonetheless, the 34-year-old refused to rule out a future move to America.

"I am not ruling out the MLS," he added.

"Once I had decided to leave PSG there were many offers, but with Zlatan that is normal.

"I know that teams from the MLS were interested, but the opportunity to play for Manchester United, and of course to work with my good friend Jose Mourinho again, was impossible to turn down.”

Ibrahimovic previously worked under Mourinho at Internazionale
Ibrahimovic previously worked under Mourinho at Internazionale (Getty)

Zlatan has played across Europe for some of the continent’s biggest clubs – including Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona – but insists he has no plans to retire any time soon, despite his 34 years of age.

"I would never rule out the MLS in the future. I have a contract with Manchester United, but I feel in great shape," he added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in