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Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay at Man Utd for another season, reveals Jose Mourinho
Manchester United will activate their option to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic for another season, manager Jose Mourinho has revealed.
Ibrahimovic has spoken of his desire to play in the United States before he retires, but Mourinho says that won’t happen until 2018 at the earliest.
“Zlatan’s situation is simple. He has a one-plus-one-year [contract] in the club,” said Mourinho.
“We are happy with him. We are going to execute the option of a second season. So in two years' time he can do what he wants because he is free. He is happy, committed, loving his life as a football player at United - the last big challenge of his career. It’s perfect for him to be here 18 months and then it is his decision.”
Ibrahimovic suggested further talks would take place, but confirmed he is on course to trigger his contract extension.
“I have a contract that says one-plus-one. I feel good, I feel fresh and in shape. There will probably be a second year and I want to have that,” said the Swedish striker.
“The second year goes automatic after a while - after certain things - so if it continues like this? Yes.”
Ibrahimovic is expected to start against Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday, a game United can not afford to lose if they want to qualify from their group. A defeat would almost certainly eliminate them from Europe.
The striker admits he has found adapting to English football a challenge, but his confidence has not been too affected.
“I shine 24 hours,” he said.
“It depends how you want me to shine. I have been in the game 24 years. I am shining but if you want me to shine even more I will try even more.
“I had a couple of games I didn’t score and I felt unlucky. I have more than 450 goals but as long as I am creating chances I am not worried. What is most important is to play good. You don’t shine because you don’t score goals. I prefer to play good and make the team win.
“The Premier League is very exciting. It is very tough physically but when I am trying to be physical I get yellow card. I need to be more alert. No team controls the game here. Anything can happen. You can lead 2-0 and then crazy things can happen.
“The team in Manchester United has not won big trophies for four or five years but the people are in the right position to be where it belongs. It’s what we are working for but if there was a short-cut to be champions we would be. It takes time.”