Zlatan Ibrahimovic has long been established as one of the highest paid players in world football and, while the Swedish goal machine will still be handsomely paid for the duration of his new year-long deal with Manchester United, he has also taken a gargantuan pay cut to remain at Old Trafford for another 12 months.
United and Ibrahimovic announced the deal yesterday afternoon, with the former AC and Inter Milan striker doing so in typically understated fashion:
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Ibrahimovic's second contract with United, however, will earn the former Sweden captain 35-year-old significantly less than his previous deal at Old Trafford. Yes, Ibrahimovic's new wage of £125,000-a-week is still a monumental amount of money for anyone to earn, but it's also £225,000-a-week less than the £350,000 United's new number 10 earned every seven days on his last deal with the Red Devils.
The Swede's decision to sign on for another year with United is in no small part due to the fact that his debut season with the club was cut short by an ACL injury, from which he is still recovering, during a Europa League quarter-final tie with Anderlecht, in April.
Ibrahimovic's reintroduction to the United first team could prove to be crucial during the second half of the season. Image: PA
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Speaking to United's official website, Ibrahimovic said, "This was part of my plan, to stay with United. I've had a little break for a small injury and as soon as I'm ready I'll be back wearing the red shirt and will continue what I was doing from last season. I'm motivated, I'm pumped and I look forward to the moment when I walk out at Old Trafford and see the people standing up, and when I score my goal that will be the moment I will enjoy most."
Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in 46 appearances for United, last season, helping the club lift the EFL Cup and Europa League. He is expected to return from his ACL injury in time for the new year.
(H/T Metro)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic