'No doubt' Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play again says Ander Herrera amid talk Manchester United star could retire

The striker sustained significant knee ligament damage in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final win against Anderlecht

Simon Peach
Monday 24 April 2017 11:49 BST
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic won't play again this season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury
Zlatan Ibrahimovic won't play again this season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury (Getty)

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Ander Herrera has "no doubt" Zlatan Ibrahimovic will recover from a knee injury so serious that some have suggested it could force the Manchester United striker into retirement.

The outspoken 35-year-old has made quite the impression since arriving at Old Trafford last summer, scoring the Wembley winners in both the Community Shield and EFL Cup final.

Ibrahimovic recently likened himself to Benjamin Button, the fictional character who ages backwards, after his 28th goal of the season - but now there are concerns time is against him.

The striker sustained significant knee ligament damage in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final win against Anderlecht and figures at United reportedly fear he may never play again.

Ibrahimovic says "giving up is not an option" and vowed to come back even stronger on Sunday evening - the kind of reaction United team-mate Herrera expected.

"Of course he can (get back)," Herrera said without hesitation.

"First because he is privileged physically. His physique, his body is one of the best I have ever seen so I think it will be easier for him to get back than others.

"But of course he is 35, he will have to work very, very hard, be very patient.

"But I have no doubt he will be back because he loves football, he loves to win, he loves to score goals.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has rubbished suggestions of retirement after suffering a season-ending injury
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has rubbished suggestions of retirement after suffering a season-ending injury (Getty)

"He loves to train every day. Every day he wants to win, every box, every football tennis, everything in training, so I have no doubt he will be back.

"But we have to be, everyone, supporting them - not only Zlatan also Marcos because they are really bad moments for them."

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