It may be unclear as to whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain a Manchester United player for next season, having suffered a knee ligament injury that will sideline him for nine months, but if the Swedish goal machine is to leave Old Trafford, he looks to do it with a typically grand gesture.
The Swede defied critics in his first season in the Premier League. Image: PA
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The former PSG and AC Milan striker has become instantly beloved by United fans and players alike after an astonishing first season in the Premier League, scoring 28 goals in all competitions, including two in the victorious EFL Cup final against Southampton, in February.
Jose Mourinho has made an offer to Ibrahimovic to remain with the Red Devils next season, although the former Sweden captain is believed to have turned it down.
28 goals in all competitions is a return not many believed Ibrahimovic would be capable of at 35 years of age. Image: PA
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Ibrahimovic could still yet stay at Old Trafford but his latest gesture may indicate that he is planning on saying goodbye to United.
According to The Sun, the 35-year-old will take the entire United first team squad, coaches and support staff out for a meal as a way of thanks for how he has been treated by the club during his debut season in the Premier League.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic plans to take 50 club staff and players out for a 'thank you' dinner.
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The Swedish striker, 35, is paying for the first team, coaches and support staff, including masseurs and groundsmen to join him for the meal."
Have we seen the last of Ibrahimovic in a United shirt? Image: PA
Not that there's ever a good time to lose a player of Ibrahimovic's quality, but the Swede's injury couldn't have come at a worse point for United, with a tough final four games left in their attempt to break into the top four in the Premier League as well as two huge matches against Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-finals, before a potential appearance in the final of the tournament, which would come against one of Ajax or Lyon.
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Is the gesture simply a 'thank you' from Ibrahimovic or will it be his leaving party?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
(H/T 101 Great Goals)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic