Tuesday 5 November 2019 13:41, UK
Zlatan Ibrahimovic likened himself to Benjamin Button after the Man Utd forward turned in another man-of-the-match display in his side's vital 3-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday.
The Swede, 35, scored the first goal in United's victory at the Stadium of Light as Jose Mourinho's team closed the gap on Man City in the fourth to just four points, and with a game in hand on their rivals.
That strike was Ibrahimovic's 28th in all competitions in his debut campaign at Old Trafford and he has now scored 250 goals since turning 30.
Asked the secret to his longevity, he referenced 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where Brad Pitt's title character ages in reverse.
"I train hard, keep focussing and believe in what I do and I and I know what I am able to do," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports.
"And I am not worried, I just play my game, I try to enjoy and it seems that the older I get, the more intelligent I get.
"Of course you cannot move the same as 10 or five years ago, even 15 years ago, but the older, more experienced, more intelligent, you do not waste so much energy on things you do not really need.
"But the game is improving, I am getting better and better and like I said, I feel like Benjamin Button - I was born old and I will die young!"
As for the win, Ibrahimovic labelled it a massive three points in United's bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"A big three points especially knowing we have not got the points we wanted," he said. "Today was a good win, but we have to keep focussing, working and believing we will reach the top four.
"We believe in it and we will do everything to get into the top four. It is part of the game, you feel each other and you either begin strong, or you do not begin strong, but at the end you come into the game and you will play the game and in the end the best team will win.
"So the game was good and we got the 1-0, they get the red card, but I could not see if it was a red card or not. But he gave the red card and afterwards you play with one more and sometimes that can be more difficult, although sometimes it gives you an advantage as you play with one more."
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
