Transfer Tales: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

"Time to let the world know," he posted, a day ahead of schedule. "My next destination is Manchester United #IAmComing."

A free agent after his exploits at Paris Saint-Germain, he fulfilled an ambition to play in the Premier League, at the age of 34, and instantly started imposing his huge personality around the place.

Handed the no.9 shirt, the experienced centre-forward was reunited with Jose Mourinho, after previously playing under him at Internazionale.

In his first interview with club media, Zlatan said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining United and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League.

"It goes without saying that I cannot wait to work with Jose Mourinho once again. He is a fantastic manager and I am ready for this new and exciting challenge.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far and have some great memories. I am now ready to create more special memories in England."

The media reaction to the signing was a combination of excitement to see how Ibrahimovic would handle life in England and the suggestion it was too late in his career to truly show his qualities.

Never one to shirk a challenge, the Scandinavian would later write in his autobiography: "I get there and everyone hates me: Ibra the arrogant, the pretentious, the thug, the one who never scores [against] English teams, the old, 35-year-old. Good. That’s how I want it. Hate me. I like that."

Mourinho was in no doubt about the acquisition, commenting: "Zlatan needs no introduction. The statistics speak for themselves. Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 per cent.

"He has won the most important league championships in the world of football, now he has the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and I know he will grasp this opportunity and will work hard to help the team win titles."

Zlatan was an unqualified success, top scoring with an impressive return of 28 goals in his first season.

However, a knee injury cruelly deprived him the chance to spearhead the side in the Europa League final, not only against former club Ajax but also in his homeland, with Stockholm staging the event.

He watched along on his crutches and celebrated with the rest of the squad but the spell on the sidelines held up the agreement of a contract extension. It did occur after a delay and the evergreen striker worked hard to get back fit again, making seven further appearances and scoring a final goal for the club in the League Cup quarter-final defeat to Bristol City.

Zlatan will always be fondly remembered for his huge impact at the club and he went on to score regularly for LA Galaxy, before returning to Europe with Milan.