Zlatan Ibrahimovic is quite the footballer and quite the character for that matter.
Since his summer move to Manchester United, the Swede has silenced all the doubters by taking to the Premier League with relative ease. The only dampener has been the fact that an awful knee injury has cut his season so damningly short.
Therefore, with up to nine months on the sidelines ahead of him, many have started to question his United future. Either way, though, Ibrahimovic is bowing out of the 2016-17 season in style and with a superb gesture at that.
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Lengthy lay-off
Jose Mourinho’s capture of Ibrahimovic on a free transfer last summer was nothing short of inspired. The 35-year-old has added the goal scoring influence that the Red Devils have been crying out for ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Across 46 appearances, Ibrahimovic has amassed an impressive 28 goals and eight assists. By contrast, United’s stop scorer last season, Anthony Martial, could only amass a comparatively feeble 11 league strikes.
However, the Swede won’t have the opportunity to push onto 30 goals nor reel in Romelu Lukaku for the golden boot. As you’re all aware, a brutal knee injury against Anderlecht in the Europa League dashed any hopes of that.
Having landed awkwardly after leaping for a header, the ex-Barcelona man had to be removed from the pitch. Since then it has been revealed that he faces up to nine months on the treatment table before any sort of return.
Ibrahimovic is currently under a one-year deal at Old Trafford, yet United seemed destined to add another season to the contract at least. However, if the Red Devils were to do that now, their forward might not be fit until February.
Considering the weighty wages that comes with Ibrahimovic and the potential lack of worth they would get out of contract renewal, the situation is intriguing. Besides, at 35-years-old, who knows whether he’ll come back the same player?
Incredible gesture
This is Ibrahimovic though and the Swede certainly isn’t the man to let any injury rain on United’s parade. Therefore, in spite of lingering questions over both his fitness and future, he’s dished out the philanthropy.
According to The Sun, Ibrahimovic is planning on taking out no less than 50 of Manchester United’s staff and players for dinner. The event would be his way of saying ‘thank you’ for their help and service throughout the season.
The bill will be completely covered by the Swede and even the club’s team of masseurs will be able to wine and dine with the star. Incredible stuff.
Nevertheless, it does add substance to the argument that Ibrahimovic has already played his last game for United. After all, it’s easy to see the gesture as a goodbye and final thank you to those at the club.
Moreover, the same report suggests that Ibrahimovic is unsure of whether he’ll spend any of his rehabilitation at Carrington. Rumours continue to linger also that the 36-year-old has already rejected a contract extension in light of his injury.
It’s fair to say that the signs aren’t promising and United fans might want to start praying that the Antoine Griezmann gossip is more than just newspaper talk.
Do you think Manchester United should offer Ibrahimovic a contract extension? Have YOUR say in the comment box below