Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Manchester United departure was sad... he's a huge player that European football is losing forever, says Jose Mourinho

Daily Mail | March 30, 2018

Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swedish star cut short his contract at Manchester United to join LA Galaxy.

The move to Major League Soccer effectively brings down the curtain on Ibrahimovic's top-flight career after spells with Ajax, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and both Milan clubs.

The 36-year-old scored 28 goals in his first season at Old Trafford, helping United win the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield, but never truly recovered from a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has spoken of his sadness at losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Mourinho (pictured in 2016) has described the veteran Swede as a 'huge player'

Mourinho was speaking on Friday ahead of United's Premier League clash with Swansea

Ibrahimovic was given a hero's welcome as he touched down in Los Angeles on Thursday night

The Swedish star landed at the airport late on Thursday after signing for LA Galaxyu00a0 — The Swedish star landed at the airport late on Thursday after signing for LA Galaxy

Ibrahimovic took time out to speak with the LA Galaxy fans and pose for pictures with them

He will now begin his contract with the club and could make his MLS debut this Saturday

Ibrahimovic made only seven appearances after returning to action in November, and his move to the Galaxy had been anticipated for some time.