Ibrahimovic can play for six more years, says Raiola

Mino Raiola claims Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic can continue playing into his 40s.

Ibrahimovic is currently on the mend from a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in April and isn’t expected to make a return to full fitness until the end of the year.

The 36-year-old signed a new 12-month deal with United at the end of August but his agent, Raiola, has backed Ibrahimovic to continue playing for the next five or six years.

“I think God sent Zlatan to me,” he told Expressen. “He has so much in him. I think minimum another five or six years.

“I won’t let him stop. He has to work for me now. I have been working for him for several years. Now it’s my turn. My children are grown up and I need money.

“We have agreed that he is only working for me for five years now. So we’re flipping it now. The salary comes to me and he gets the commission.”

Ibrahimovic scored 27 goals in 45 appearances during his debut campaign at United last season and played decisive roles in their League Cup and Europa League success.

The United No.10 will now compete for places in attack with Romelu Lukaku, who joined over the summer from Everton in a deal worth an initial £75m.

Lukaku has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals in his first 12 competitive appearances.