Jump directly to the content

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has revealed he wanted to sign for LA Galaxy two years ago before he eventually joined Manchester United.

The 36-year-old left Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 to move to Old Trafford, and has claimed it is destiny he has ended up with the MLS giants.

 LA Galaxy welcomed their new signing to the club with a press conference on Friday
12
LA Galaxy welcomed their new signing to the club with a press conference on FridayCredit: EPA
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed to the press he wanted to sign for the club before joining Manchester United
12
Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed to the press he wanted to sign for the club before joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors
 Ibrahimovic arrives for his first day of training with the MLS club
12
Ibrahimovic arrives for his first day of training with the MLS clubCredit: AFP or licensors
 The Swedish international is expected to make his debut against Los Angeles FC on Saturday
12
The Swedish international is expected to make his debut against Los Angeles FC on SaturdayCredit: AFP or licensors

Speaking in today's press conference to introduce Ibrahimovic, the former Swedish international revealed his head was with Galaxy before being turned by United.

He said: "This was supposed to happen a couple of years ago, it was supposed to happen before Manchester United.

"My head was here. I wanted to come here, and it didn't happen. But the destiny said that I will come here, so Los Angeles called and I answered."

After completing his first training session, Ibrahimovic will be looking to make an immediate impact for his new club if he makes his debut on Saturday.

 The 36-year-old will be looking to make his mark for yet another club
12
The 36-year-old will be looking to make his mark for yet another clubCredit: AFP or licensors
 The former Red Devils forward left Old Trafford after spending less than two years at the club
12
The former Red Devils forward left Old Trafford after spending less than two years at the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 Ibrahimovic netted 29 goals under Jose Mourinho at the Theatre of Dreams
12
Ibrahimovic netted 29 goals under Jose Mourinho at the Theatre of DreamsCredit: AFP or licensors

The maverick forward is expected to feature against Los Angeles FC at the StubHub Center in front of a potential sell-out crowd.

Speaking of his excitement at making his mark in the MLS, he said: "I'm here, I'm available and I want to play.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic trains with LA Galaxy squad that includes Ashley Cole and Giovani Dos Santos


'WHAT DO YOU MEAN F*** OFF' Ex-Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic teases Eric Bailly on return to say goodbye following LA Galaxy move


"I feel like a child that you give candy for the first time who chases candy, but that is me now, I'm chasing the ball."

While he also believes that the American top-flight could soon be just as competitive as the top leagues in Europe.

 The towering centre-forward will be looking to score on his potential debut against Los Angeles FC at the StubHub Center
12
The towering centre-forward will be looking to score on his potential debut against Los Angeles FC at the StubHub CenterCredit: AFP or licensors
 Ibra enjoyed his first training session with his new Galaxy team-mates on Friday
12
Ibra enjoyed his first training session with his new Galaxy team-mates on FridayCredit: Getty Images - Getty

He added: "I think it is very competitive, it is growing very fast. I know the interest is growing over here also, this has everything and I know the MLS can come to a level where Europe is.

"I see a big potential in the MLS and I want to be a part of it."

And after claiming he "conquered England," Ibra stated that he has come to America to win, insisting "the lion is hungry."

He said: "I feel young. I said once before I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old, now I will die young. Don't worry about my age.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already showing his quality with sublime finish in LA Galaxy training

"When I came to England they all said I was old and I came in a wheelchair.

"After three months I conquered England and they said I was flying. This is only numbers.

"I know what I am able to do and I know what I will do. I come here to win. I feel excited. The lion is hungry."

Galaxy supporters treated their new star to a hero's welcome upon his arrival in LA, as he was swamped by his new adoring fans.

 Zlatan was mobbed upon his arrival in LA with fans all eager to meet the legendary striker
12
Zlatan was mobbed upon his arrival in LA with fans all eager to meet the legendary strikerCredit: AFP or licensors
 The former Inter, AC Milan and Juventus ace is undoubtedly the new superstar in the MLS
12
The former Inter, AC Milan and Juventus ace is undoubtedly the new superstar in the MLSCredit: AFP or licensors
 Ibrahimovic took time out to pose for the camera with his new adoring supporters
12
Ibrahimovic took time out to pose for the camera with his new adoring supportersCredit: AFP or licensors
Zlatan Ibrahimovic gets hero's welcome as he touches down in LA ahead of debut for LA Galaxy
Topics