Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United star signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a prodigy, but his days of performing like a ‘God’ could be outnumbered as he prepares to makes his Premier League debut at the age of 34.
The Swede turns 35 in October, and according to Wenger, he may not be able to suit the physical requirements of Premier League's fast paced game. Wenger, however, has projected his signing as a good prospect for Manchester United and spoke about how he could influence the Red Devils.
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Surprisingly, Arsene Wenger’s comments about Zlatan come just days after his debut against Galatasaray, in which the Swede scored a stunning acrobatic goal within four mins. Although, Wenger did not seem to make a judgement but rather conjectured, welcoming his old target to the Premier League.
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"Honestly I don't know [how he will get on]," Wenger said ahead of Arsenal's final pre-season game against Manchester City on Sunday evening.
"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.
Arsene Wenger did complement his raw talent and innate ability to succeed, however, he feels adapting to the most demanding league in the world at his age could turn out on the flip side of his trophy-laden career.
Wenger comments are surprising considering the striker’s previous season at Paris-Saint Germain which he feels is his best-ever. On account of his experience, Wenger thinks United have the advantage that they need and it is only a question of how he will respond to the gruelling English calendar.
Wenger added, "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."
Read also: Euro 2016: Open letter by Zlatan Ibrahimovic addressing his critics
Arsene Wenger has a penchant for spotting and grooming wonderkids, and he tried to sign the prodigy in his early days but later admitted, "He was 16, I asked him to have some training with the first team. He did not want to do it and I did not sign him.”
Ibrahimovic revealed subsequently then, that he told Wenger, "Zlatan doesn't do trials," adding: “He then gave me one of his funny Wenger looks."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won titles at Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG before moving to Manchester United. Will he add another trophy to his glittering cabinet?
