Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Striker says Jose Mourinho convinced him to move

The 34-year-old also reportedly turned down Manchester City at numerous stages throughout 2011 and 2012 with former manager Roberto Mancini even flying out to meet with the striker while Ibrahimovic was playing at AC Milan.

According to a report in the Sun, the Swedish forward has notified manager Jose Mourinho of his intention to take his badges at the beginning of 2017, with an eye to a coaching role in Italy when he hangs up his boots.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 3 premier league goals in 4 appearance for Manchester United, including a winning goal to the clinch the Community Shield. Ibrahimovic reportedly plans to start and finish his coaching exams by next summer.

‘Zlatan is already tapping into Jose Mourinho and planning for the future in the game, ‘ a United source told The Sun on Sunday.

Ibrahimovic was signed at United to assist with the development of young talents such as England striker Marcus Rashford, providing the former Barcelona and AC Milan striker with the ideal platform to practice his coaching abilities.

The charismatic United striker said he’d report to the club’s Carrington training headquarters and work in the gym. Ibrahimovic is arguably the best footballer in the world when it comes to striking the ball, and he is the flawless mentor for United’s rising prospects.

Odds are, Ibrahimovic could be at the club for up to four years before as a player before he finally becomes a coach, with the likes of Rashford and Martial eventually replacing him.