Ibrahimovic: Galaxy return 'my priority' despite European interest
Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn't lead the LA Galaxy to the MLS postseason in 2018, but he seems keen to give it another go in California.
The veteran Swede racked up a mightily impressive 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 outings in his first season at StubHub Center, but a flawed Galaxy team fell short of playoff qualification on Decision Day.
Related: Rooney, Ibrahimovic highlight finalists for MLS MVP award
It appears, though, that the 37-year-old, who is contracted in Carson until the end of next season, still intends to honor that commitment.
"I have some wishes and demands which is simple things," Ibrahimovic said, as quoted by the Associated Press. "There is interest in Europe, but my priority is Galaxy. They have wishes, I have wishes, but I'm optimistic and I'm positive.
"If I belong to Galaxy, I am a Galaxy player. If I belong to one club, I give my attention to one club, so I am here," he added.
Even at the age of 37, it's no huge surprise that Ibrahimovic, who has played for Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United in a decorated career, is still attracting attention from Europe.
Jose Mourinho last month ruled out a move to re-sign the man who scored 28 goals in 46 games in his only full season at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, rumors of a return to Milan have persisted despite the Rossoneri's sporting director Leonardo insisting several weeks ago that such a move "is not possible" for the club.
Though the Galaxy's primary problems this year arguably lay away from the frontline, Ibrahimovic was near-indispensable to the franchise's efforts. His tally of 32 direct contributions to goals was 12 higher than any of his teammates' totals, despite the fact he missed seven of 34 games. Many in Galaxy colors will likely see his return as imperative for the club's 2019 hopes.
Club president Chris Klein seems to think so. "What he did this year is certainly well-documented. He wants to win and we want to win with him. Hopefully, we can come to a resolution that is good for both sides."
Ibrahimovic continued: "I think the season was like a rollercoaster. Hopefully, we make it better (next year) because that is the target ... Like I said, I'm not here for a vacation, I'm here for the challenge and I want to feel my team has a chance to be the best in MLS. I am the best, but I want to feel like my team can compete against the others."