Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly rejected a $100 million offer from China.
According to Jovan Kirovski, the LA Galaxy technical director who did the major work to sign Ibrahimovic, the former United player had a multiyear offer from China even after his knee injury that would have seen him earn $100 million total. Instead Zlatan chose the Galaxy, which can only afford to pay him $3 million over two years.
Kirovski revealed the hardest part of the deal was telling Ibra’s superagent, Mino Raiola, why they could only pay Ibrahimovic $1.5 million a year.
Raiola’s first response was: “Are you serious?” But Zlatan decided he didn’t need the money at this stage of his career. Kirovski even said that there aren’t any side deals from Galaxy sponsors included in the deal.
Kirovski said he first made contact with Ibrahimovic while he was still with PSG, and he met with Zlatan a half-dozen times in Europe and on additional occasions in Los Angeles to establish a relationship. According to Kirovski, Ibrahimovic told him four months ago that the Galaxy deal was going to happen.
“But until it’s signed, anything can happen,” Kirovski said. “When he signed officially was two weeks ago. Then you can breathe again.”
Manchester United’s exit from the Champions League did help allow Ibrahimovic to be released earlier to join the Galaxy.
And Kirovski’s revealed how he felt on Saturday watching Ibra score two goals.
“I’m still numb,” Kirovski said. “Especially for us. With LAFC coming, and being down 3-0, it’s like: What? It was an emotional roller coaster. This was special.
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“He shows up and walks the walk. It’s incredible.”
