Manchester United terminate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract, striker bids goodbye to club and fans

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now a free agent after Manchester United terminated his contract with immediate effect on Thursday.

The Swedish striker who signed for the Premier League giants in 2016, finished as the club’s top scorer last season after striking 28 goals in all competitions.

The 36-year-old played a crucial role in United’s EFL Cup and FA cup victory runs. His contract was set to expire at the end of the ongoing season but has been terminated now.

#MUFC has agreed to the termination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect.

Club statement: https://t.co/F0vdXLBPFA pic.twitter.com/ISJVCCjYre

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 22, 2018

Ibrahimovic, joined Manchester United from Paris Saint Germain and lifted three trophies in his maiden season at Old Trafford, but was limited to a single appearance this season due to a terrible knee injury.

“Great things also come to an end and it is time to move on after two fantastic seasons with Manchester United,” he wrote on Instagram, confirming that he will be leaving the club. “Thank you to the club, the fans, the team, the coach, the staff and everybody who shared with me this part of my history. #foreverred” tweeted the outspoken striker.

Great things also come to an end and it is time to move on after two fantastic seasons with Manchester United. Thank you to the club, the fans, the team, the coach, the staff and everybody who shared with me this part of my history. #foreverred pic.twitter.com/vo1Gs3SUHL

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) March 22, 2018

The 36-year-old Swede had signed a one-year contract extension before the start of the ongoing season, but Romelu Lukaku’s goal scoring ability and regular injuries to him limited Zlatan to just one goals and handful of appearances this season.

The rumours are hot that he will be signing for Major League Soccer (MLS) side LA Galaxy. Zlatan’s goodbye means United now has only Lukaku as their central striker with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and new signing Alexis Sanchez capable of playing in a make-shift role.

Zlatan’s departure also means United are now left with Lukaku as their only central striker and will look for other options in the upcoming transfer window.

Earlier Jose Mourinho had said that the 36-year-old has all the right to make his own choice and is likely to leave at the end of the season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also been touted to make a comeback from retirement to represent Sweden in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.