Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Fourth-tier German side Oberhausen pledge to make striker their king - if he signs for them
The 34-year-old is weighing up his options after a triumphant final season with Paris
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.Zlatan Ibrahimović has proclaimed to be many things in his time but perhaps even he didn’t expect this.
The Swedish free-agent, linked with Manchester United in the past few weeks, could become the king of Oberhausen if he signs for the German city’s fourth-tier football club.
The 34-year-old is weighing up his options after a triumphant final season with Paris Saint-Germain with offers from England, China and the United States but Rot-Weiß Oberhausen have perhaps offered the most inventive proposal.
The sleepy city of Oberhausen, to the west of Dortmund, has promised to introduce a monarchy for Ibrahimović to head if he agrees to shun more lucrative offers in favour of dipping into the German lower leagues.
A local swimming pool, closed for over 20 years, will also be renovated in the former Barcelona forward’s honour while a new brand of beer will carry the 34-year-old’s name.
“In a football province like Oberhausen, there are a few things which other places wouldn't have,” club president Hajo Sommers told German broadcaster Sport1. “If he wants to expand his horizons, let him come.”
Sommers also pledged to construct a new stand at their 21,318-capacity Niederrheinstadion home – exclusively using only Sweden materials – and the lowly club seem confident of getting their man.
“In the coming days the player will decide. We are cautiously optimistic that his decision will be positive,” they said in a statement.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments