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
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for United (Getty)

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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.

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