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Football

04th Sep 2016

REPORT: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already eyeing up a new role for himself

Retirement plans

SportsJOE

No need to panic, Manchester United fans. Your top scorer this season is going nowhere just yet.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still in the early stages of endearing himself to United supporters but, apparently, he’s already making plans for what awaits him in retirement.

According to a report in the Sun, the Swedish forward has notified manager Jose Mourinho of his intention to take his badges at the beginning of 2017, with an eye to a coaching role in Italy when he hangs up his boots.

Leicester City v Manchester United - The FA Community Shield

Ibrahimovic, 34, has reportedly told his teammates that he intends to stick around at Old Trafford for at least another two years as his early showings for his new club would suggest that he still has plenty to offer, scoring four goals in four games for the Red Devils.

And in the autumn of his career, Ibrahimovic is already looking to impart his wisdom on the younger members of United’s squad, staying late in training to work on shooting drills with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Manchester United Training and Press Conference

Often accused of selfishness, it appears that Ibrahimovic is maturing into a willing mentor and he wants to begin learning his trade as a coach as soon as January.

“Jose has left his door open and Ibra likes the idea of coaching, but not necessarily a manager right away,” the Sun’s source revealed.

“He is enjoying picking up a few ideas and he fancies Italy.

“Ibra will take a badge when things settle down for him early in New Year and then progress it next summer.”

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