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LA Galaxy president: 'Doors are open' for Ibrahimovic

Reuters / Andrew Yates Livepic

LA Galaxy president Chris Klein is confident that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will eventually follow in the footsteps of David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and other European stars that have made the switch to Major League Soccer.

However, the odds of luring him to North America in the near future are slim considering that Ibrahimovic, a free agent, holds out hope of competing in Europe yet again.

Ibrahimovic's first season at Manchester United was cut short in April after he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury, but United manager Jose Mourinho hinted at a possible return to Old Trafford when the Swede overcomes the injury, despite signing forward Romelu Lukaku.

Though the Galaxy hold the MLS rights to Ibrahimovic, Klein isn't anticipating his arrival this summer despite a positive relationship between the club and the player.

"We have an incredible relationship with Zlatan and his agent," Klein said, according to Nick Lustig of Sky Sports. "He loves our club, and he loves L.A. We have an interest in him. I think, for now, he wants to stay in Europe.

"Our doors are open for a player like that. We have rights to him in our league. We'll see where that goes."

Ibrahimovic could sign a shortened contract in time to contribute in the second half of next season before hitting the open market yet again when the 2018 summer transfer window opens.

In his first taste of English football, Ibrahimovic led United in scoring with 17 Premier League goals - more than double the total from the team's next highest scorer.

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