via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent almost two decades proving himself as one of football's greatest goalscorers, but according to his late agent Mino Raiola, England's biggest clubs failed to recognise his talent before he eventually joined Manchester United.
Ibrahimovic finally arrived in the Premier League in the summer of 2016 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, reuniting with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. Despite being 34 when he signed, the Swedish icon enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign, scoring 28 goals and helping United lift the Community Shield, EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League.
Years later, Raiola revealed that several leading English clubs had previously questioned whether Ibrahimovic possessed the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.
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Sir Alex Ferguson 'Never Asked' to Sign Ibrahimovic
Sir Alex Ferguson with Premier League trophy
Sir Alex Ferguson with Premier League trophy
Speaking to talkSPORT in 2017, Raiola claimed that even legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had never attempted to bring Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford during the striker's peak years.
“In England pace is so important, maybe one of the most important attributes in the Premier League is the pace. I don’t know if they doubted him in the pace or the quality, but it’s a question you should ask others, not me.
“I was never in doubt. If you can do it wherever he did it and knowing how he is and what kind of person and man on and off the field he is, he can do it everywhere.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The comments were surprising given Ibrahimovic's remarkable record before moving to England. He was by no means the paciest player at any point during his career, especially by the time he arrived at United. But he had already won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France while establishing himself as one of the most feared forwards in Europe, without any need to show a quick step.
Mino Raiola Always Believed Zlatan Would Silence all Doubters
Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring for Manchester United
Raiola insisted he never questioned whether his client could thrive in English football, describing the Premier League as one final challenge for a player who had already conquered several of Europe's biggest leagues.
He suggested Ibrahimovic could have earned more money elsewhere but wanted the opportunity to prove himself in England after years of scepticism surrounding his ability.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Any doubts were quickly put to rest. Ibrahimovic adapted immediately to English football, delivering silverware in his first season before a serious knee injury disrupted the latter stages of his United career.
Looking back, Raiola's confidence appears fully justified. Ibrahimovic retired in 2023 with one of the most decorated careers of the modern era, while his brief spell at Manchester United demonstrated that he could excel in the Premier League just as he had everywhere else, even if it came in his twilight years.