Welcome to America Zlatan
Major League Soccer (MLS) has landed another European soccer icon who’s hoping to close out their career on a high note. This time it was the signing of Sweden’s all-time leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimović, from Manchester United. The 36-year-old Ibrahimović decided on Thursday to take his talents to the MLS club LA Galaxy.
This is a growing trend with the big name stars in European soccer. As their historic careers are concluding, they decide to come to America to play and hopefully win some silverware before they call it quits. England superstar David Beckham, Spanish star David Villa and Brazilian Kaka, are three notable players who made the decision to play in the MLS and it has worked out very well for all parties.
Ibrahimović, who has won 33 trophies in Europe, hopes to follow in their footsteps and believes that he will be able to bring his winning DNA to American soccer.
As a fan of soccer in America, this signing was huge. The MLS has always been looked at as low-quality soccer league compared to the European leagues, which is very true. But, with signings like Ibrahimović, American soccer will continue to make strides. Ibrahimović best days may be behind him, but he still has tremendous skill, not to mention a massive fan base. Being one of the most prolific players in the game, Ibrahimović has millions of supporters who will love to see their idol play in America. And, just like the signings of Beckham, Villa and Kaka, the MLS will reap substantial benefits, both in terms of soccer and also financially.
Ibrahimović coming to America to play soccer is something that I personally never thought would have actually happened, but I’m thrilled that it did. What he’s going to do for the game of soccer in America is going to be monumental. I believe this signing will really start to change the perception of soccer in America, and I can’t wait to witness.
Thank you, Zlatan.
