Jose Mourinho confident Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay at Manchester United for another season
Ibrahimovic won the EFL Cup final for United and Mourinho believes he will stay at the club
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho says he believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay at Manchester for another season after the Swede’s match-winning two-goal display in the League Cup final win over Southampton, as he jokingly implored the club’s fans to camp outside his house to persuade him.
Ibrahimovic scored the first and final goals of the game, with the latter coming in the 87th minute to seal a remarkable 3-2 win and the trophy itself.
Pressed on the 35-year-old’s future, Mourinho said: “We all believe he will stay one more season… He one time left me because he wanted to go to Barcelona [From Internazionale in 2009]. That made me sad. We don’t beg but if needed, United fans go to his house and sit there all night.”
With Ibrahimovic’s trophy-winning goal already crowning an impressive debut season at Old Trafford that has seen 26 goals in 38 games by February, Mourinho said there was never any reason to doubt the striker despite his age, as his willingness to go to a a club like United and league like England showed his readiness.
“I was his manager [at Barcelona]. I know the potential. Only a silly player comes to England with 35 years old, and with a successful career that Zlatan had, only a silly one comes here if he doesn't feel that he can do it so who better to know?
“Him. Not me, not you, him. So when he decides, 35 years old, to take the challenge, to a country like England, to a club like Manchester United, when he takes that decision, he feels ready. The most important feeling is his.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments