Friday 25 August 2017 11:49, UK
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit back at those who suggested his career might be over after last season’s knee injury, and declared “the journey continues”.
The 35-year-old has re-signed for Manchester United on a one-year contract after an impressive debut season at Old Trafford, which saw him score 28 goals in 46 games, was cut short by a serious knee injury.
However, the Swede has been relentless in his rehabilitation, posting updates online to show he is getting back to fitness, and has taken to social media again to post a video in which he scoffs at those who doubted his comeback and says he is ready to build on his first season at United.
"Challenges - they are nothing new. I have faced them, I have conquered them all my life," he said on his Instagram account.
"They said it was over, I was finished, I couldn't come back, I didn't have the hunger. No, I decide when it is time to stop and no one else. Giving up has never been an option.
"I have worked my body hard and I am feeling strong. Strong enough to pull on the shirt once again, all the history, the hopes, the dreams.
"It is time to finish what I started. The journey continues."
Ibrahimovic will wear the No 10 jersey formerly worn by Wayne Rooney this season after Romelu Lukaku took the No 9 shirt.
"This was part of my plan, to stay with United. I've had a little break for a small injury and as soon as I'm ready I'll be back wearing the red shirt and will continue what I was doing from last season," he told www.manutd.com.
"I'm motivated, I'm pumped and I look forward to the moment when I walk out at Old Trafford and see the people standing up, and when I score my goal that will be the moment I will enjoy most.
"There are big things coming and I am taking over the number from another great number 10 - Wazza.
"I have only positive and great things to say about him. He is a great person off the pitch and on the field, everyone knows what he did and what he is doing. I am just happy to take over the number 10 jersey."
