Bharath Rammr
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been one of the top strikers in world football over the last few years. Yet, he has also gained a reputation for being a journeyman in his career. Ibrahimovic has played for the likes of Ajax, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, and PSG. He may be at Manchester United for the time being, but indications are that the Red Devils may still not be his last club after all. At 35 years of age, many would think that Ibrahimovic is coming to the end of his career and may choose to retire at Old Trafford. His contract, though, runs out in the summer.
Only a few weeks so, there seemed to be positive indications about Ibrahimovic being prepared to extend his stay at the club. Rather than at activate the optional second year in his contract, it has been rumoured that United were preparing a fresh two-year deal for the Swedish striker. However, rumours have emerged that Napoli are looking to make a move for the player. A move back to Italy would appeal immensely to the player, who has actually spent the majority of his playing days in the city of Milan.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for making outlandish statements at times. However, he seemed determined to go after Ibrahimovic in the summer. He said:
“My dream signing? I always try to go forward with what I have. One that I would like, though, is that giant who is at Manchester United now. I had him as a dinner guest in Los Angeles and he’s incredibly nice, even though he always seems angry.
“You know the one I’m talking about, right?”
Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola also coming up with hints about a move back to Italy has intensified the rumours. It is not a surprise that the 35-year-old wants to head back to Italy. In fact, he may end up retiring from the game in this country rather than at Sweden. Since arriving from PSG on a free transfer in the summer, Ibrahimovic has been a revelation. After having scored 15 league goals this season, the goal machine has become one of the top scorers in the Premier League. He is only behind Alexis Sanchez, who heads the chart with 17 goals, Romelu Lukaku, and Diego Costa. He may be fourth on the list, it is important to remember that Ibrahimovic only has two goals fewer than the top scorer.
His incredible form has helped Manchester United prepare an assault for the top four places. An emphatic form over the last couple of months has seen the Red Devils reduce the deficit to the top four down to two points. One of the problems that may affect the Jose Mourinho’s team over the next couple of months is the potential fixture condition caused as a result of progression onto the latter stages of the Europa League and FA Cup. The club, however, could win a second trophy of the season when they take on Southampton in the EFL Cup final.
