Manchester, July 18 (IANS) Manchester United's heavyweight summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic has responded to club legend Eric Cantona's claim of being the king of the former English Premier league (EPL) champions by saying he will be 'god' at Old Trafford.
Cantona, who wore the Manchester United jersey from 1992-1997, welcomed the Swedish forward to the English powerhouse with a message saying the move is the best decision he has ever made.
"I have a personal message for Zlatan: You decided to go red. It is the best choice you ever made," Cantona stated in his welcome message.
"When you walk into the Theatre of Dreams. When you can feel the ghosts of the legends that have been here before. When you score that first goal right in front of Stretford End. When you hear the crowd chanting your name. When your heart beats so strong that it bursts out of your chest. When you feel that you will love them as much as they will love you.
"You will know, my friend, that you finally made it home."
The Frenchman, one of the greatest players to grace Old Trafford with four EPL titles and two League and FA Cups during his fiver-year stint, asserted that there can be only one king in Manchester, himself, and offered Ibrahimovic the title of a prince.
"Just one last thing, there can only be one King in Manchester. You can be the Prince if you want to. And the number 7 is yours if you are interested. That is my welcome gift to you?The King is gone! Long live the Prince," Cantona, who netted 64 times from 143 appearances for Manchester United, said.
But the talismanic Swedish forward was not too keen to accept the role of a prince and replied to the French legend with his trademark swagger.
"I admire Cantona. And I heard what he said," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by the Telegraph on Monday.
"But I won't be King of Manchester. I will be God of Manchester."
The Swedish striker signed for United earlier this month on a free transfer. Last season Ibrahimovic plied his trade for French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain. Following a low key Euro 2016 campaign, he quit international football after 115 games and 62 goals for Sweden.
--IANS
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