Zlatan Ibrahimovic endeared himself to Manchester United fans during the 2016-17 season, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances. As the season ended and Zlatan’s contract with the Red Devils neared its conclusion, an entrepreneurial United fan took it upon himself to re-sign the Swedish striker, offering up his wife in exchange for Ibrahimovic’s signature.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic posed with the sign with a big goofy grin on his face. It was a clever banner but not one anyone really took seriously. While the sign-maker’s wife may have been on board (who wouldn’t be?), Zlatan is married with two sons.
Man Utd fans will do anything to keep Zlatan at Old Trafford! pic.twitter.com/INlP95fzfN
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 24, 2017
Ibrahimovic, after much speculation in a lengthy offseason extended by a knee injury, ultimately re-signed with United, announcing his return in the most Zlatan way imaginable. We all assumed he was merely signing with the club that gave him the best offer, but recent occurrences suggest otherwise.
On Wednesday, Zlatan’s @iamzlatanibrahimovic Instagram story included a curious post insinuating he had consummated the deal on the aforementioned banner. The post included Zlatan’s signature over a picture of him posing with the sign. Done deal?
So did Ibrahimovic sleep with some Mancunian’s wife? Did Manchester United secretly deal with one of its fans to secure the services of Zlatan? Does the FA need to look into the matter? Is Ibra just fucking with all of us?
I would put my money on Zlatan just doing a funny, but you can never count anything out when it comes to the Lion.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has only appeared for Jose Mourinho’s side a handful of times this season. He didn’t play until November and has been plagued by injuries. His only goal came in the Carabao Cup, his first start of the season on Dec. 20.
Ibrahimovic has been rumored to be mulling a move to MLS with the LA Galaxy. Perhaps this post was just Zlatan fulfilling his United contract to pave the way for a future in the U.S.?