Time for a parting of the ways

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s longevity at the top of football’s elite, from Italy to Spain via France and now in England, is often – and quite rightly – commended – easy enough to do that, though, when lining up alongside a Wayne Shaw tribute act in Wayne Rooney.

The Swedish striker’s injury against Anderlecht brought about a few grimaces, and given the age of the striker that has ‘been there, done that’ in every respectable league, genuine concerns over whether the Swede would play again were quite rightly there.

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Thankfully, for all those with fragile masculinity and inferiority complexes, Mino Raiola has released a statement regarding Ibrahimovic’s operation:

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undergone successful knee surgery. He will make a full recovery AND HAS NOT SUFFERED A CAREER-ENDING INJURY,”

“The procedure was performed by Freddie Fu, M.D., and Volker Musahl, M.D., of the UPMC Sports Medicine program in Pittsburgh.

“Zlatan has started rehabilitation at UPMC and will remain under the care of Dr.Fu and Dr.Musahl throughout his recovery.

“Zlatan and the medical team are not available for interviews at this time. Additional updates will follow at a later date.”

Mino Raiola

Unnecessary capital letters aside, Ibrahimovic’s injury is a blessing in disguise for Jose Mourinho and his perceived talisman.

The Red Devils seemingly had a contract offer on the table for the former Paris Saint-Germain striker, however, despite 28 goals in 46 games since moving to Old Trafford, questions were constantly surrounding the all-round impact of Ibrahimovic.

A lot of missed chances, and potentially blocking the development of Anthony Martial, Marcus and Jesse Lingard (harsh to blame Lingard’s lack of ability on Ibra, though), meant a few concerns were raised over a potential new deal.

Mourinho, for all his bravado, wouldn’t have had the ‘minerals’ to not offer the footballer, who surprisingly has never won the Champions League a new deal. And furthermore, there is every possibility that Zlatan would’ve had an underwhelming second season with United.

A parting of the ways is ideal for both parties – even if both parties don’t realise it.

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