Zlatan Ibrahimovic Signing Reportedly Interests Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid
Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly received an offer from Atletico Madrid.
According to Jordi Blanco of Sport, the forward is attracting interest from the La Liga side, with manager Diego Simeone said to be an admirer of the Swede.
"The coach remembers the impact Christian Vieri did at the Vicente Calderon," said Blanco, referencing the Italy national team legend who had a productive one-year stint with Atletico for the 1997/98 season. The Argentinian coach may hope Ibrahimovic can have the same influence.
Ibrahimovic is currently a free agent after being released by the Old Trafford outfit and is recovering from a serious knee injury.
In the piece, it's noted United are allowing Ibrahimovic to use their facilities so he can recover from his injury. According to Blanco, the player's agent, Mino Raiola, is not ruling out the possibility of Ibrahimovic rejoining the Red Devils in January should his rehabilitation go well.
Los Angeles Galaxy are also tipped as a potential future option for the 35-year-old, who starred for United during the 2016-17 season.
Ibrahimovic made a big impression on the Old Trafford faithful before an injury cruelly curtailed his campaign. As we can see courtesy of Squawka Football, despite his advancing years the striker has remained at the peak of his powers:
For United he provided a talismanic figure. He was a leader at the point of attack, battling with defenders, holding up the ball and helping to bring others into the game.
His goals were so important to the cause, too. Ibrahimovic's two-goal display in the EFL Cup final, when United beat Southampton, will live long in the memory for fans who made the trip to Wembley.
It'd be no surprise if a man like Simeone, who cherishes players with big characters, was considering a move for Ibrahimovic when he was fit. After all, provided he returns with fire in his belly and in strong physical condition, Ibrahimovic has shown he can still make an impression at the highest level.
As noted by Ben Hayward of Goal, Ibrahimovic still has one glaring omission from his resume:
Atletico have had some wonderful forwards down the years, and currently on their books are Antoine Griezmann, Kevin Gameiro, Fernando Torres and Angel Correa. Therefore, they aren't in desperate need of a new striker.
Nonetheless, if Ibrahimovic can prove his fitness leading up to January, it'd be wonderful to see him work alongside one of the most dynamic coaches in football in Simeone.
