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Zlatan Ibrahimovic says ‘nobody will remember what MLS is’ if he leaves following LA Galaxy’s play-off exit

The Swede's side were knocked out 5-3 by city rivals Los Angeles FC in what could prove to be his final MLS game 

Kishan Vaghela
Friday 25 October 2019 10:02 BST
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes he would still be a success in the Premier League
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes he would still be a success in the Premier League

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out firing once again after stating that no one will remember what Major League Soccer is if he decides to leave LA Galaxy after his side's MLS Cup Play-Off exit to city rivals Los Angeles FC.

The 38-year-old striker could not prevent his side from losing 5-3 in a game which also saw the Swede appear to have a confrontation with a fan while walking off the pitch in what could have been his final MLS match.

The former Manchester United forward, who gestured towards the spectator who appeared to be taunting him, will see his contract expire with LA Galaxy in December and he has been heavily linked with a return to Europe.

Napoli have been credited with the most interest in recent weeks, with their owner Aurelio de Laurentiis stating that 'it is more than a suggestion' that the Serie A side could sign Ibrahimovic, but the Swede has now thrown his future in America into further doubt.

"I have another two months [on my contract]," he told reporters.

"We'll see what happens. ... [If I stay], then MLS is good, because the whole world will watch it. If I don't stay, nobody will remember what MLS is."

Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela scored twice in the first half of LAFC's victory as he took his tally for the season to 36 goals.

LA Galaxy fought back through Ibrahimovic, but Adama Diomande's netted a double late on which secured LAFC's win.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future at LA Galaxy looks increasingly uncertain

Galaxy's defeat is likely to push the Swede closer to the exit door at the MLS club, and earlier in the week De Laurentiis said he would be welcomed back in Italy having already played for Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan during his career.

"[Ibrahimovic] is a friend, I met him in Los Angeles not as a footballer but as a normal person because we were in the same hotel," De Laurentiis told Sky in Italy.

"I invited him over for dinner with his wife and kids and we had an amazing time. It would be my wish to see him in Napoli colours, it's more than a suggestion and it depends on him. It's been talked about for a few months now."

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