Zlatan Ibrahimovic: If I don´t stay, nobody will remember MLS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic potentially aimed a parting shot at MLS as he discussed his LA Galaxy future following their playoff defeat to rivals Los Angeles FC.

The 38-year-old, who scored 30 goals in the 2019 regular season to lead Galaxy back to the postseason, was on target on Thursday but could not save his side from a 5-3 derby defeat.

It was Galaxy’s first El Trafico reverse as LAFC, the Supporters’ Shield winners, took a huge stride towards a first MLS Cup triumph.

Ibrahimovic is out of contract in Los Angeles in December and has not been shy in talking up a possible return to Europe, with former club Manchester United linked along with a host of Serie A sides.

The former Sweden star insisted a further contract with Galaxy does not depend on financial terms, despite having become a Designated Player heading into this season.

However, in typically bold fashion, he suggested MLS would be quickly forgotten if he was no longer playing in the league.

They got one. pic.twitter.com/s5oc5aETz9

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 25, 2019

“It’s not about money,” he said, as reported by ESPN. “I have another two months [on my contract]. We’ll see what happens.

“[If I stay], then MLS is good, because the whole world will watch it. If I don’t stay, nobody will remember what MLS is.”

Ibrahimovic has scored 53 goals in 58 MLS games for Galaxy, including the playoffs, since signing from United early last season.