A pony tailed giant has secured another big money move this summer, for those of you thinking Andy Carroll you’re wrong. It is, of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Sweden captain has completed his move from AC Milan to Ligue 1’s Paris St Germain. Ibrahimovic makes the move across Europe with Thiago Silva as part of a combined €62 million deal.
Financed by their Qatari owners PSG have set about recruiting top quality to a squad that finished second to Montpellier in Ligue 1 last season.
On landing Ibrahimovic the Parisian sides sporting director, Leonardo, said “he can write our history.”
Writing history will certainly be on manager Carlo Ancelotti’s agenda, PSG haven’t secured a Ligue 1 title for 18 years and as yet haven’t lifted the European Cup, in any format. Granted the club have only existed for 42 years but with some of the players that have played at the Parc Des Princes over the years (Anelka, Ronaldinho, Youri Djorkaeff) it is quite remarkable.
Ibrahimovic has the useful attribute of banging in goals and lifting league titles, one of many sure fire reasons PSG wanted him in the French capital. During his career Ibrahimovic has chalked up 189 goals in 362 league appearances at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
As for league titles the taekwondo black-belt has won; 2 Eredivise titles with Ajax, 4 Serie A titles (3 with Inter Milan and 1 with AC Milan) and a La Liga title with Barcelona. Quite a distinguished career, especially when you consider 2 Serie A titles with Juventus that were revoked following match fixing scandals, numerous domestic cups and a shed full of individual awards.
Now 30 years old and surely in Paris for the remaining years of his career Ibrahimovic must be intent on adding more than just the Ligue 1 to a glittering CV. The similarity between PSG and their new striker is, despite the calibre of sides he has been part of, neither have ever won the European Cup.
When the new season starts Ibrahimovic will be embarking on his 11th consecutive Champions League campaign. Taking his new side all the way will really write some history.
Sam Jewell
@sw_jewell
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