5 top footballers sold by Jose Mourinho

#2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the ground running in his debut season at Manchester United

Ibrahimovic will go down in history as one of the most iconic figures in world football. While he does not have a Ballon d'Or to his name, one cannot discount the sheer professionalism he has brought to the sport.

Been a world beater at every club he's been, Ibrahimovic's tenacity has been second to none. He's tried his hand and succeeded at some of Europe's top clubs in FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, PSG, Ajax and now Manchester United.

Never been one to stick around too long at a particular club, the former Sweden international made a decision in 2009 to leave Inter Milan for FC Barcelona.

After ending the 2008/09 campaign as the Golden Boot winner for Inter, Zlatan saw it as the ideal moment to take a step up and seek pastures anew in Spain.

Despite being their top player at the moment, the transfer to Barcelona helped Inter in accumulating transfer funds as they were paid £59 million for parting ways with Ibrahimovic, and more importantly got striker Samuel Eto'o in return - who went to enjoy a fantastic stint at the San Siro.

Then Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho had developed a sublime understanding with Ibrahimovic despite managing him for only a season. The Swede bought into his manager's philosophies, and together they formed a sublime professional relationship.

It was due to Mourinho's time and influence over the player during their days at Italy as to why he decided to reunite with him at Manchester United. Ibrahimovic has all but recuperated from an ACL injury and is set to play for the Red Devils before the turn of the year.