Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent revealed the motivation behind his client’s potential Manchester United move.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked to Manchester United for months on end, and his move to Old Trafford is among the worst kept secrets in world soccer. Many believe the primary motivation behind his move is to reunite with Jose Mourinho, and while that’s true to an extent, Ibrahimovic’s agent recently spoke out (h/t Marca) on why Manchester United is his preferred destination:
"I think he wants revenge on Guardiola, although he does not live for it because you shouldn’t have two graves – one for him and one for the enemy.You learn more from defeats than you do from victories, and Zlatan learned a lot from what happened with Guardiola."
Ibra’s agent is referring to the lone season his client spent at Barcelona, while Pep Guardiola was the manager there. Despite linking up with Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry, and finishing the season at the top of La Liga, Ibrahimovic clashed with his manager on more than one occasion, and he had a famous falling out with Guardiola.
Before that move, he had spent a season with Mourinho at Inter Milan. He enjoyed his time under the Portuguese manager, winning the Serie A title that year and scoring 29 goals. Ibra’s Barcelona side met Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals, where Inter won en route to a treble. In addition to not getting along with Guardiola, one has to think that Ibrahimovic wishes he was a part of that treble-winning side.
But by rejoining Mourinho at Manchester United, Ibrahimovic will have the chance to get back at Guardiola, who will take charge of Manchester City next season. If Ibrahimovic can help lead United to a Premier League title at Guardiola’s expense, maybe it will make up for his time in Barcelona. Ibrahimovic also feels that Mourinho can help guide the club to many championships, including the Champions League that has eluded him throughout his career.
It’s a match made in heaven, and will help make the next Premier League season an absolute treat to watch.
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