Zlatan Ibrahimovic told Manchester United staff 'I hope you know God has arrived' when he first came to Old Trafford, reveals team mate Juan Mata

  • Juan Mata revealed how Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first impression at Man Utd
  • Ibrahimovic joined United in the summer of 2016 and has become a key figure
  • Mata revealed the striker had the kit men 'shaking' with his bold demeanour

Juan Mata has revealed how Zlatan Ibrahimovic made quite the first impression on Manchester United's staff when he first arrived at the club. 

Ibrahimovic joined United on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, and the famously charismatic Swede introduced himself - tongue in cheek - as 'God'. 

Mata revealed how the striker had the kit men 'shaking' with his typically bold demeanour and sense of humour after his move from Paris St Germain.

Juan Mata revealed how Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first impression at Manchester United

Juan Mata revealed how Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first impression at Manchester United

Mata revealed how the striker had the kit men 'shaking' with his typically bold demeanour 

Mata revealed how the striker had the kit men 'shaking' with his typically bold demeanour 

Mata told FourFourTwo: 'The day he arrived, we were away on pre-season, so he was on his own with the kit men at the training ground.


'They had never met him before and he's the sort of guy that garners instant respect because of the way he carries himself. Zlatan apparently looked the kit men up and down and said: "I hope you know God has arrived."

'The kit men were shaking and didn't know what to think, then he fell about laughing with them. He always does that.'

Ibrahimovic joined United on a free  in the summer of 2016 and has become a key figure

Ibrahimovic joined United on a free in the summer of 2016 and has become a key figure

Such was Ibrahimovic's impact at United in his first season, his deal was extended for a further 12 months, despite suffering a serious injury. 

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 games before suffering a serious knee injury in the Europa League quarter final win over Anderlecht in April.

The 36-year-old has recently returned to first team action after seven months out, making a couple of cameo substitute appearances.