Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he was ready to join LA Galaxy two years ago before Manchester United came calling.
“This thing was supposed to happen a couple of years before but it didn’t,” Ibrahimovic said at his introductory press conference with the MLS club.
“I am here now. The destiny was that it was supposed to happen, the question was only when.
“[The move] was supposed to happen before Manchester United. My head was here. I wanted to come here.
“Things go like they are not supposed to go, but the destiny said I will come here. Los Angles called and I answered.”
The Swede joined the Galaxy last week after one-and-a-half seasons with United, where he had an impressive record of 29 goals in 53 appearances.
In a typically bombastic press conference, Ibrahimovic backed himself to continue his scoring record in America.
“I have more goals than players have games. I think I know what I am doing,” the 36-year-old said. “I am not arrogant, I am confident.”
Ibrahimovic played down concerns about his age and his ongoing recovery from an ACL injury suffered last season with the Red Devils, which curtailed his playing time towards the end of his spell in England.
“I feel young. I said once before I feel like Benjamin Button,” he said.
“I was born old, now I will die young. Don’t worry about my age.
“When I came to England they all said I was old and I came in a wheelchair.
“After three months I conquered England and they said I was flying. This is only numbers.
“I know what I am able to do and I know what I will do. I come here to win. I feel excited.
“The lion is hungry.”
The new Galaxy recruit declared himself fit for Saturday’s historic first-ever LA derby, against new MLS side LAFC.
“Finally I am here, I am excited and looking forward to playing. I am looking forward to getting on the field.
“I want to smell the grass and touch the ball. Today I finished training and just wanted to shoot some balls.
