Zlatan Ibrahimovic thanks LA Galaxy for making him feel ‘alive again’ as departure is confirmed

Ibrahimovic scored 52 goals in 53 starts for the Los Angeles-based side

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thanked LA Galaxy after his departure from the club was confirmed (Getty)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thanked LA Galaxy for making him feel “alive again” after mutually parting ways with the MLS club.

The Swedish striker’s two-season spell with the Galaxy ends after defeat to Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup play-offs conference semi-finals.

Ibrahimovic scored 52 goals in 53 starts in all competitions for Galaxy after leaving Manchester United in March 2018.

In a post on Twitter, Ibrahimovic wrote: “I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you LA Galaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans – you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome. The story continues...”

The 38-year-old finished his post by joking: “Now go back to watch baseball.”

Galaxy confirmed in a statement that Ibrahimovic would not be returning to the club next season and praised the striker for his impact on the sport in North America.

“We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer,” said LA Galaxy president Chris Klein.

“Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion.

“We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole.”

Ibrahimovic, who has played for some of the biggest clubs in world football including Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris St Germain has given no indication over his future.

He has been linked with a return to Serie A, with AC Milan and Bologna among the clubs said to be interested in signing the free agent.

PA