Revealed: The staggering proposal Zlatan made to Man United before heading to LA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he wanted to stay at Manchester United – and even offered to play for free.

The 36-year-old striker joined Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils in 2016 and played a pivotal role under the former Chelsea coach, finishing with 17 league goals in 28 appearances.

But his time at Old Trafford came to a premature end when he picked up a double tear to his knee ligaments in a Europa League tie against Anderlecht in 2017.

READ MORE: Fabinho makes Mbappe to Liverpool plea

READ MORE: Transfer news and rumours LIVE

His last game for United came in a 2-2 draw against Burnley, but he scored just one goal in his second season at the club; an EFL Cup defeat to Bristol City.

And the former AC Milan, Inter and Barcelona star says he was not concerned about cash while he was – at 35 – trying to recover from a serious ligament injury.

He told the BBC: “The situation was not about having a contract and earning money. It was all the opposite. I said I don’t want a salary, you keep it.”

“The mind can be ready but the knee was not ready. When I was ready, I said to myself ‘I am not there.’

“They had a Zlatan before. After, I was not ready to be that Zlatan.

“I was selected in many of the games but I told the coach: ‘Listen, I am not ready. I don’t want to disappoint you. The respect I have for my team-mates and the coach. Select someone else who can do the job better.’

“I stood up and did it, even if I am Zlatan.”