Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has revealed that he would love to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic amid rumours about the Swede’s future.
The 34-year-old’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain will expire this summer, with no suggestion that signing an extension is imminent.
As a result, speculation has been rife about where the former AC Milan and Barcelona star will move to next, with a switch to the Premier League still very much an option.
Mata has welcomed suggestions that Ibrahimovic could move to Old Trafford, insisting that he would love to play with him next season.
“I don’t know what he is going to do, whether he is going to stay there or not,” Mata told Sky Sports. “Maybe he will try a new chapter in his long career.
“He is probably the best in Sweden’s history for what he represents. He has played in so many countries and leagues and won trophies everywhere. That speaks about his quality as a player and his importance for PSG and in the national team where he is a captain.
“He is a very good player and I like to play with very good players. Every player would be happy to play with him.”
Given Ibrahimovic’s track record of winning league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France, few would argue against the fact that he can have a significant influence on his team and help lead them to success.
Although his record in the Champions League, particularly against English sides, hasn’t always been great, it does little to take away from a storied career both for club and country as he looks to sign off on international duty in style with Sweden at Euro 2016 this summer.
Given the lack of alternatives to United in England in terms of clubs that would realistically sign him, Ibrahimovic’s most likely option in the Premier League would be with the Red Devils.
Arsenal’s focus on youth, Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City and Chelsea’s likely pursuit of a high-profile and younger target rules out the other clubs likely to be in contention for the league title next season.
Based on his choices throughout his career thus far, it is highly unlikely that Ibrahimovic will settle for anything less, and so Mata may well get his wish if the circumstances and terms suit all concerned.