While most footballers tend to lose their fitness and pace when they enter their 30’s, Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that he is only getting better and better as he ages. The 35-year-old Swedish striker scored twice against West Brom on Saturday which took his goal tally to 16 in just 25 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions since he joined the club.
Despite many pundits claiming that Ibrahimovic will not succeed in the Premier League because of his age, the Manchester United striker has silenced his critics after yet another impressive performance for the Red Devils last week.
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Speaking to the reporters, Zlatan said that he ages just like red wine and the older he gets the better he becomes. The big Swede, in fact, stated that he could very well go on to play until the age of 50.
Zlatan said: "The older I get, the better I get, like red wine. You like red wine? I'm a perfect example of that.
"I'm settling in. I feel happy, I feel good. Even if I'm 35, in my mind I'm 20. I think I could play also at 50, but it's not down to me."
Contract extension on the cards?
Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho recently revealed that Ibrahimovic would be given a contract extension to stay at the club for another year following his return to goalscoring form for the club. Zlatan had reportedly been keeping himself in shape with extra gym sessions and taekwondo.
Zlatan who has won 11 titles with several different clubs around the world, also spoke about the importance of keeping oneself fit and adapting to the way football is played in different countries.
"I've played in different championships, in different countries, and you need to adapt your body to the game and the way it's played here," added Zlatan.
Ibrahimovic helped the Red Devils win their fourth consecutive game by netting twice in their 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion last weekend. The big Swede has become sort of a talisman for the club stepping up when the team needs a result.
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Zlatan and his team will want to continue their winning streak if they want to secure a place in the top four this season as they are currently down in 6th place with just 30 points. Chelsea remain on top of the Premier League table with 43 points, 13 adrift of Manchester United. Antonio Conte’s side are looking to be the favourites to win the Premier League having lost only two games in the League so far this season.
