Con: Does it make sense spending so much for 2-3 years of peak level performances?
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Ibrahimovic’s predicament was a lesson to Manchester United. The Swedish journeyman may have had a relatively injury-free career that was punctuated only by minor niggles and strains but all it takes is one second to end a season.
Unfortunately for Ibrahimovic, it occurred when he hadn’t yet exercised his option to extend his 12-month contract. Now, he is without a club and weekly wages as he recovers from the knee injury. The earliest he can return to the pitch is late 2017.
United were lucky they signed Ibrahimovic on a free transfer (which had more to do with Mourinho convincing him rather than United being the ideal destination last summer). It won’t be the same case with Ronaldo.
While his fitness levels are beyond compare, the hustle-bustle of the Premier League has seen careers shortened for players who peaked early in their careers. Just ask Rooney or Michael Owen. The only player who managed to extend his career was the evergreen Ryan Giggs.
His ACL injury following a collision in the Euro 2016 final should be a stark reminder that things don’t always go according to plan.
