Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s move to the LA Galaxy has been confirmed by both player and club, with a video announcing his arrival released on social media followed by an official announcement.
In typical Ibrahimovic fashion, the striker’s tweet with the video was accompanied by the message “Los Angeles, welcome to Zlatan”.
Los Angeles, welcome to Zlatan. #zLAtan #LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/nFAY4X9zbR
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 23, 2018
He also took out a full-page ad in the LA Times announcing his move, declaring, “Los Angeles, you’re welcome”.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken out a full page advert in the @latimes announcing his arrival at LA Galaxy. Classic Zlatan. pic.twitter.com/TeFXM2De7e
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) March 23, 2018
The team later confirmed the move on their website.
“Coming to play in the United States, it is only fitting for me to join the most successful team in Major League Soccer, the LA Galaxy,” said Ibrahimović of joining the only team to have won the MLS Cup five times.
“I am excited to join a club with a winning legacy that has embodied soccer in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I would like to thank everyone at the club for making it possible to play for the LA Galaxy.
“I am looking forward to joining my teammates, playing at StubHub Center in front of our fans and helping our team compete this season.”
Confirmed. @Ibra_official is a member of the #LAGalaxy: https://t.co/Z2gooaCdFi #zLAtan pic.twitter.com/sSr926OS0l
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) March 23, 2018
Head coach Sigi Schmid highlighted LA Galaxy’s delight at having signed the former Malmo, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, and Manchester United striker.
“Adding one of the finest goal scorers in this sport’s history to our roster will tremendously help our club in the hunt for a sixth MLS Cup,” Schmid said.
“As one of the winningest players of all time, we believe he’ll have a very positive impact on our team.
“We are confident that Zlatan can be one of the most dangerous strikers in our league and we are excited to integrate him into our club.”
Ibrahimovic, 36, was released from his United contract on Thursday in order to allow his MLS move to go through.
