The Gunners chief believes age could be against him in England
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes age could go against Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Premier League, and has questioned what impact he can make in England.
The 66-year-old was speaking ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly with Manchester City on Sunday, and admits that while the former Sweden international will make an impact psychologically, physically he may struggle.
Premier League football is widely known for being physically demanding, and the 6ft 5in striker would seemingly fit the bill. However, Wenger, who reportedly was ready to offer the striker a two-year deal at the Emirates earlier this year, is not to sure.
“Honestly I don’t know [how he will get on],” said Wenger. “Going for him is his class, his talent, his desire to do well. What goes against him is that he is not the youngest player anymore, so you are questioned about that in every game.
“From what I saw of him last year at Paris Saint-Germain, it was his most complete season as an individual player and as a team player. He became a really great team player last season.
“On the mental aspect he will bring something to Man United as well. He is a winner, he has charisma and he will give them a strength as well as his individual quality.”
If his debut was anything to go by, Ibrahimovic could be a class act at Old Trafford, scoring with an overhead kick four minutes into his debut against Galatasaray.
However, at 34, there is no doubt the striker’s career is coming to an end. But experience with the likes of Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will certainly put him in a good position to succeed at United, even if Wenger is not so sure.
For the sake of finances, if not his goals, Red Devils chiefs will hope he can make a valuable contribution to the team, with Ibrahimovic earning an eye-watering £200,000-a-week on his one-year deal that could be extended by a further year.
