David Beckham Comments on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Miami Transfer Rumours

Soon-to-be Major League Soccer franchise owner David Beckham has announced his intention to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in time for the launch of his Miami-based outfit several years from now.  

The former England international played alongside Ibrahimovic during a short spell in Paris in 2013, and he told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet he wants the striker on his team (h/t Press Association, via Eurosport): "We have received permission to build an arena and it will take three years ... maybe two, at best. If Ibrahimovic is still active, then I want to buy him right away. He is a physically magnificent specimen, so it's entirely possible. Who does not want a man who is prepared to kill to win?"

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Links between the two former team-mates emerged after beIN Sports commentator and former Miami franchise manager Ray Hudson advised Beckham to sign a player of Ibrahimovic's quality, per the Sun's Jon Boon.

Beckham went on to add just what it is that drives Ibrahimovic to be the talent he has become, still going strong for one of Europe's elite outfits at the age of 34:

"

I've played with or against the very best in the world. I want to say that I have never met anyone who was so serious during both practice and games.

When I came to Paris I knew that he was an incomparable talent as a player, but he'd be so tough and merciless on himself at all times, I had no idea. He is a born winner. He is a beast with huge self confidence, and I'm one of his biggest admirers.

"

Ibrahimovic is inevitably ebbing toward the latter end of his career following a journeyman's path that's seen him represent the best that Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands and his native Sweden have to offer.

There's no way to tell how the veteran forward will be performing in three years' time, but Eurosport provide evidence to at least suggest Ibrahimovic still sits among the European elite today:

Beckham's main concern is where Ibrahimovic will be come 2018, which is looking like his earliest possible entry date to register a Miami franchise, at which point the striker will be nearing 37 years of age.

Metro claimed Manchester United are interested in the attacker (h/t Daily Star's Chisanga Malata), but BT Sport pundit Julien Laurens believes Ibrahimovic may yet remain at the Parc des Princes and pen an extension:

This could be good news for Beckham in the long run, as it would keep Ibrahimovic active at the top level for longer and delay his "pension period" in one of the world's lesser divisions, such as MLS.

Ibrahimovic hasn't shied away from opening up on his desire to play in the United States in the past, either, per the league's official website:

"

I think it would be an amazing experience. I see that soccer is growing a lot in US I mean, I was here 10 years ago [and] soccer was not on the level that it is today, but it's growing. It's growing in the right direction and I want it to be on the level of Europe. It will come here.

I would like to play. Which team? Am I allowed to say that? No, I cannot say that.

"

Beckham's public declaration will undoubtedly be noticed by his former PSG team-mate, who would be paid handsomely if he were to sign on as one of Miami's first stars under Beckham.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is on track to realising his MLS dream, and he'll look to a familiar face to ensure his team is an instant hit.