Monday 18 July 2016 20:54, UK
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he will be the 'God of Manchester' after responding to Eric Cantona's welcome message.
Cantona, who was nicknamed 'The King' during his time at Manchester United, claimed Ibrahimovic could become a prince at Old Trafford after joining the club on a free transfer earlier this month.
However, the Swedish striker was not happy with that assessment and responded as only he can.
"I admire Cantona and I heard what he said," Ibrahimovic is quoted as saying in Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.
"But I won't be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester."
Cantona, who scored 82 goals in 185 appearances during four and a half years at United, welcomed Ibrahomivic to the club and even offered him the iconic No 7 shirt in a video for Eurosport.
Cantona said: "I have a personal message for Zlatan: You decided to go red. It is the best choice you ever made.
"When you walk into the Theatre of Dreams. When you can feel the ghosts of the legends that have been here before. When you score that first goal right in front of Stretford End. When you hear the crowd chanting your name.
"When your heart beats so strong that it bursts out of your chest. When you feel that you will love them as much as they will love you. You will know, my friend, that you finally made it home.
"Just one last thing, there can only be one King in Manchester. You can be the Prince if you want to. And the No 7 is yours if you are interested. That is my welcome gift to you… The King is gone! Long live the Prince!"
United head out to China on their pre-season tour on Tuesday as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season with fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.
Ibrahimovic is expected to start training with his new team-mates this week but it is unknown whether he will be in Jose Mourinho's squad for the trip to China.
