Cape Town - Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed his departure from the Los
Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday, but gave no clue over his future plans or
possible retirement.
The 38-year-old striker's departure from the Galaxy had been widely
expected following the club's elimination from the Major League Soccer
playoffs last month.
Ibrahimovic, who joined the Galaxy in the opening months of the 2018
campaign, announced the end of his Californian sojourn in a
characteristically enigmatic post on Twitter.
"I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel
alive again," Ibrahimovic wrote. "To the Galaxy fans - you wanted
Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome.
"The story continues...Now go back to watch baseball."
The Galaxy said in a brief statement the club had parted company with Ibrahimovic by mutual agreement.
"We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy
and Major League Soccer," said LA Galaxy President Chris Klein.
"Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the
sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and
passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact
on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America
as a whole."
Ibrahimovic has been strongly linked with a return to Italian club AC
Milan, where he played for two seasons between 2010 and 2012, scoring
42 goals in 61 league appearances.
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber hinted last week that
Ibrahimovic may make a return to Italy, telling ESPN in an interview the
striker was being "recruited" by Milan.
Ibrahimovic has also reportedly been targeted by Serie A side Bologna, according to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport.
Although Ibrahimovic was unable to help Los Angeles Galaxy return to
the pinnacle of Major League Soccer, the Swede has been one of the most
successful foreign players ever to grace the league, scoring 53 goals in
56 regular season appearances.