In a development that would definitely come as a bit of a shock to soccer fans, english premier league club Manchester United have decided not to extend the contract of their star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The club released the list of retained players yesterday and unfortunately, the Swedish striker's name was not on that list.
A surprising decision
Ibrahimovic joined the club from French club Paris Saint Germain last season and immediately became one of the most influential players in the English Premier League. He scored a total of 28 goals for the club across all competitions and helped them win three trophies.
He was their highest scorer last season and that is why the decision has come as a huge surprise for many Manchester United fans across the world.
However, it is believed that the injury suffered by Ibrahimovic at the end of last season is the primary reason why he was not offered a new deal. He is 35 years old, and it is likely that the club believes that it would be difficult for him to come back to peak physical condition when the new season begins. United have already lined up a replacement for Ibrahimovic and are all set to sign Real Madrid's Spanish striker Alvaro Morata in the coming days.
What next for 'Ibra'?
Ibrahimovic has no immediate plans to retire from professional club football, and considering his CV, there is every chance that many clubs in Europe will be vying for his signature during the current transfer window.
His agent, Mino Raiola -- one of the most powerful agents in Europe -- said that his client would be plying his trade in one of the European clubs next season.
Considering the fact that Ibrahimovic has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe like Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, it would not be a surprise if he continues to score goals in one of the many European leagues next season.
In spite of the fact that Ibrahimovic would no longer be a part of the United set up next season, his one season for the club will not be easily forgotten by those who witnessed him scoring goals throughout the duration of last season. Many believe that he was responsible for restoring some of the confidence and panache that the club seemed to have lost following the drab football that the team played under former manager Louis van Gaal.
While it is not certain at this time just where he will end up, it's clear that even at 35, he still has gas in the tank, and plenty to offer any team willing to sign him.
