English giants Manchester United have announced that striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will rejoin the club on a new one-year contract.
Ibrahimovic, who was dropped at the expiration of his contract last season, is set to return to bolster the attacking power at Old Trafford for the 2017-18 campaign.
Making the announcement on the club’s official website, the manager, Jose Mourinho, said they were delighted to have the former Sweden captain back at the club where he had such a big impact last season.
“We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us,” Mourinho said.
“After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.”
I UNITED it @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/2rgvuvoT0m
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) August 24, 2017
Ibrahimovic, 35, who suffered a knee ligament injury that brought his first season in the Premier League to a premature end, said he was ready to pick up where he left off last season.
“I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay.
“I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready.
I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.”
An incredible first season – and still more to come from @Ibra_official! pic.twitter.com/uzjAPGCW7n
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2017
Ibrahimovic joined the Red Devils on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and scored 28 goals in 46 games, including 17 in the Premier League, before injury ended his campaign.
He will now wear the no 10 shirt vacated by former skipper Wayne Rooney, having already given his no 9 jersey to £75million summer signing Romelu Lukaku.