After weeks of speculation as to where Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be playing next year, the 37-year-old has signed a new contract with LA Galaxy for the 2019 MLS season as a Designated Player.
“We are very pleased to sign Zlatan to a new contract that will see him return for the 2019 season,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese.
“He showed his value last season and we look forward to him representing our club next year. With Zlatan returning, we will continue to improve our team in advance of the season.”
Ibrahimovic’s return to Los Angeles had been widely expected.
The former Sweden international striker had been linked with a possible return to former club AC Milan but officials at the Serie A outfit ruled out a transfer earlier this month.
Milan’s sporting director Leonardo said Ibrahimovic had vowed to stay with the Galaxy for another season.
Although Ibrahimovic scored 22 goals and 10 assists in his debut season in the league, earning 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year and Goal of the Year honors in the process. He nearly led the Galaxy on a stirring late run to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, though the club fell short with a devastating home loss to the Houston Dynamo on Decision Day.
“There was a lot of rumours, a lot of whispers around, but actually I never left,” Ibrahimovic said on Tuesday.
“I’m not finished yet with the MLS. I started good but I’m still not satisfied for the outcome.
“I still have things to do, and I see my first year as warming up, and the second year will be a big difference because now I know the league,” he added.
