Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty ImagesParis Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic was reportedly wanted by Premier League quartet Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham United after confirming he will leave the French giants in the summer. However, he has settled upon a new home.
Continue for updates.
Ibrahimovic Reveals Next Destination
Thursday, June 30
Ibrahimovic to Be Tested After Euro 2016
Tuesday, June 14
Andy Burton of Sky Sports News HQ reported, "Manchester United are making plans for [Ibrahimovic] to undertake a medical in Manchester after Euro 2016—the last remaining hurdle which must be overcome before he signs a one-year contract at Old Trafford." Burton continued:
Sky Sports News HQ has been told United do not expect any problems with the medical - as long as Ibrahimovic is not injured whilst on international duty. The 34-year-old is understood to be in excellent physical condition, and the process is expected to be a formality.
Personal terms have already been agreed on a one-year contract, after negotiations between Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola and Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward took place in recent weeks.
Sky Sports News HQ reported on June 3 that Manchester United hoped to reach a deal with Ibrahimovic before the start of Euro 2016 on June 10.
On May 16, Raiola told Sky Sports News HQ that reports of a one-year offer from United are "not factual."
Ibrahimovic Keeping Mum on His Future
Tuesday, June 7
"There is no confirmation. No saying 'yes.' You will have to be patient with me," Ibrahimovic announced about Manchester United, per ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson.
"There will be a big announcement on [June 7]," Ibrahimovic told Fotbollskanalen on Sunday (h/t sports journalist Jonas Giaever). "It will be this summer's big bomb."
"It feels good, feels better than good," Ibrahimovic added at the time. "A lot will happen with this news, so hopefully you'll all enjoy."
Ibra Could Lose Massive Pay Day
Sunday, June 5
The Sun's Mike McGrath reported that Ibrahimovic's "PSG deal includes a loyalty payment due to be paid on the day his contract ends—June 30. So Ibra and his agent, Mino Raiola, risk losing out on the [£3.9 million] net bonus if they announce his next club before it is paid."
McGrath added that Ibrahimovic has offers from Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
Zlatan Denies Malmo Reunion
Wednesday, June 1
"Ibrahimovic has ruled out a return to Malmo, insisting he is too good to play league football in Sweden," per BBC Sport.
The striker also confirmed he will reveal his next club when he becomes "tired" of hearing speculation.
Zlatan Reportedly Interested in MLS Move
Friday, May 13
Jeff Carlisle and Doug McIntyre of ESPN FC reported Ibrahimovic is in talks to move to MLS and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. However, McIntyre noted the Philadelphia Union, not the Galaxy, would have "dibs" on Ibrahimovic as a designated player.
Ibrahimovic Confirms PSG Exit
Friday, May 13
Zlatan Ibrahimović @Ibra_officialMy last game tomorrow at Parc des Princes. I came like a king, left like a legend https://t.co/OpLL3wzKh0
Ibrahimovic Comments on Potential Milan Return
Sunday, May 8
"When I left Milan, it wasn’t my choice," Ibrahimovic said in an interview with Mediaset Premium (via Football Italia). "I never wanted to leave."
He continued: "I love Milan and in my view it’s the biggest club I ever played for. My exit from Milan is the past and this is the future, we’ll see what happens. Could my future also be my past? You never know, but we’ll see in a little while and then everyone will know."
Agent Reveals Milan Talks
Thursday, May 5
"Could Ibra return to Italy? He might, there are negotiations underway with a team which has made its mark," said Raiola, per GQ (h/t Football Italia).
"Is it Milan? Yes. Ibra has shown he can make amazing gestures, even giving up many millions to go to Milan," Raiola continued. "So far he hasn't decided anything though."
Agent Denies Zlatan Retirement Rumours
Wednesday, April 6
"It would be a crime against football humanity [if Ibrahimovic retires at the end of the season]," said Raiola, per Get French Football News. "It would be like stealing the Mona Lisa."
Raiola continued: "He does not need a financial incentive. He is very motivated. If Zlatan wanted to stop, we would have to throw him in jail until he changed his mind."
Ibra's Preference Reportedly for London
Monday, March 28
Swedish journalist Olof Lundh spoke with Sky Sports regarding Ibrahimovic's future and a potential Premier League move:
I think he is looking to play in Europe at the top level and, of course, the Premier League is interesting for him. I think he would like to live in London. Whether that would be Chelsea, Arsenal or maybe even West Ham, we will see.
I think when you talk to his colleagues in the national team in Sweden who play in the Premier League they all place him in Manchester United, of course with [Jose] Mourinho possibly coming in, but I'm not sure [Ibrahimovic] would like to live in Manchester.
It also depends on whether Manchester United reach the [UEFA] Champions League for the next season.
West Ham Chairman Reveals Zlatan Interest
Monday, March 28
"We have a list of about 10 strikers all over Europe, and most of our money will go into signing a striker," David Sullivan told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on TalkSport (via Joe Moore of the radio station's website).
"I’d love Ibrahimovic from PSG, but whether he’d come to us I don’t know. I know he’s 34 but he’s a fantastic player."
Incredible China Super League Offer Reported
Thursday, March 24
"Ibrahimovic will be offered a massive €75 million (£59 million) a year to play in China," according to Italian outlet La Repubblica (h/t James Orr of the Irish Independent).
Orr added the Sweden striker's stay in China would be funded by the country's government in a deal that would see him "paid three times the salary of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi."
Ibrahimovic Still Ranks Among the Best
Despite his advancing years, Ibrahimovic remains a force on the field. Here is a reminder of some of his best moments from this campaign:
The Premier League has always looked tailored for the player, too. Not only does he have the big personality to cope in such a high-pressure environment, but his physicality would enable him to thrive up front. His supreme technical skill surpasses that of many forwards in the division.
A new challenge may also keep Ibrahimovic motivated and performing to an elite level a little longer yet.
Throughout his career, he’s moved between clubs on a regular basis, and the goals have flowed in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France. If he were to up sticks for England, there’s little to suggest that trend would end.
ncG1vNJzZmianJqupLTEq6meqJ%2BnwW%2BvzqZmmqqknrCtsdJoaW9pZ2qCdHnZpZitmZ5itqO%2BwKGgpqemnrBuwNGapayelad6s8HMqKyrq12hrrWx0q1kp52nqHq0vMScrKWZpJ68r3nOp2Spq5dis7C%2B1pqpnQ%3D%3D