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Official: Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs one year extension deal at Manchester United

Manchester United confirmed on Thursday that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a new one year contract at Old Trafford ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

The Swede arrived last summer on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint Germain expired and, in spite of widespread doubt surrounding his capacity to thrive in the Premier League, took to English football by storm, claiming 28 goals in his opening campaign before suffering severe damage to his cruciate and meniscus during United’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht in April.

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It was thought that such a notable set-back would spell the end of Zlatan’s career and he was duly released by the club in June. However, he has remained in close proximity to Jose Mourinho, using the facilities at Carrington to aid his rehabilitation process, and the forward has been making good progress, even noting that he could return as soon as November.

ESPN’s Andy Mitten claimed last weekend that Zlatan would sign a new contract this week – rather than in January as initially expected – and it was indeed confirmed by the club on Thursday that the 35-year-old had signed another one year deal at Old Trafford.

“It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay,” he noted soon after putting pen to paper. “I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.”

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“I come back to finish what I started. We had couple of teams [interested in me] but, I mean there was couple of teams reaching out, wanted to ‘Ibra-kadabra’ in their team, but I had such a great year with United, we had a great year, we won three trophies.

“Fantastic guys, great club. A coach that I’ve known from before. I was happy. It’s not always about the sportive thing. You choose when you sign for a club, and I’m in a situation where I have to think 360 degrees around me.

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“Everybody is happy about this and I’m super-happy. Happiness has no value and this year I play for free, just like last year.”

He will wear the No.10 shirt, vacated by Wayne Rooney this summer, after Romelu Lukaku took the No.9 shirt last month following his £75m move from Everton. And his comment on the matter was, of course, trademark Zlatan.

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By Kevin T

Kevin Thatcher is a freelance journalist who's work has featured in various national and international publications, including Mail Online & The Mirror. Kevin has been a Manchester United season ticket holder in South Stand for many years, and writes for RedMancunian to combine both his love for writing, and club.

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