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The LA Galaxy announced the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimović, after several years of rumors surrounding the transfer, but the initial reaction appears as cautious optimism for many L.A. Galaxy fans.
The good, the bad, and the injury concerns
While Ibrahimović is well known for his winning ways, his severe knee injury from last year is causing some concern. Fans are eager for the side to return to its winning ways, and many believe that adding a player like Ibrahimović will help the team accomplish that.
“Obviously, no one knows how well his knee is going to hold up,” longtime L.A. Galaxy and Manchester United supporter Fernando Cardenas said. “If all is well, I think he’ll do great. It wasn’t that long ago that he was doing really well at Manchester United.”
A majority of Galaxy fans on twitter shared a similar sentiment. In a recent Twitter poll conducted by Pro Soccer USA, 62 percent of the 300 participants feel this was a great move for the club, 28 percent were still pensive and only 8 percent didn’t like the move. Several of the apprehensive comments were based on concern over Ibrahimović’s injury history and age.
https://twitter.com/_BrittJo/status/976841158939815937
From the club
Sentiments were a little more positive and enthusiastic coming from the club. In the press release head coach Sigi Schmid emphasized Ibrahimović’s storied history:
“Adding one of the finest goal scorers in this sport’s history to our roster will tremendously help our club in the hunt for a sixth MLS Cup,” said L.A. Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid. “As one of the winningest players of all time, we believe he’ll have a very positive impact on our team. We are confident that Zlatan can be one of the most dangerous strikers in our league and we are excited to integrate him into our club.”
From the man himself
Ibrahimović shared Schmid’s enthusiasm on the move to Los Angeles.
“Coming to play in the United States, it is only fitting for me to join the most successful team in Major League Soccer, the LA Galaxy,” Ibrahimović said. “I am excited to join a club with a winning legacy that has embodied soccer in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I would like to thank everyone at the club for making it possible to play for the LA Galaxy. I am looking forward to joining my teammates, playing at StubHub Center in front of our fans and helping our team compete this season.”
Ibrahimović is expected to join the rest of the LA Galaxy team as early as next week, just in time for the first ever match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC on March 31st. There is no word yet whether Ibrahimović will be ready and available for that match, needing first to obtain his P1 Visa and ITC to be cleared to play.