Zlatan Ibrahimovic Bringing A Winning Mentality To LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy expected big things from star signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but probably not this quick. It took Ibrahimovic just six minutes to make an impact for Los Angeles as he scored the game-tying goal against LAFC and headed in the game-winner just seconds from the end of the match.

Following the conclusion of the game, in true Zlatan fashion, during his post-game interview with Fox Sports, he said he heard the fans chanting, “We want Zlatan” and he responded, “so I gave them Zlatan.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrating the game-tying goal with his LA Galaxy teammates Chris Pontius and Ashley Cole | Photo by Jorge Galvez for LA Soccer Nation | March 31, 2018

Since his arrival to Los Angeles, media outlets cannot get enough of the iconic Swede. Ibrahimovic has enjoyed quite a week as a member of the LA Galaxy obviously leading his club to a comeback victory in his 20 minutes of playing time.

In addition, Ibrahimovic’s mere presence increased the ratings of the match that lacked the star power of Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini. LAFC’s first match against the Galaxy played a part too but make no mistake, Zlatan’s anticipated debut made the match a must-see event.

pic.twitter.com/tiIr5uILpE

— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) April 1, 2018

Since then, the 6-foot-five striker has excited LA fans by appearing on SportsCenter and attending a Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers game. More so prompting ESPN Radio in Los Angeles to put a poll asking if Ibrahimovic is the biggest star in Los Angeles at the moment. That same Los Angeles that is home to the Lakers, Rams, Chargers and Dodgers.

Truth be told, Zlatan brings a swagger to the LA Galaxy that badly needed a spark after their historically bad season last year. The fact of the matter is that the former Manchester United striker has been a  winner everywhere he’s played at.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career so far:

730 games 🏃
421 goals ⚽
116 caps 🇸🇪
31 trophies 🏆

The next chapter awaits. pic.twitter.com/1pfZAiSvFi

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 22, 2018

The confidence that Ibra exudes on a daily basis will certainly rub off on his teammates and ignite the Galaxy fanbase as their club aims to get back to the top. The flagship club of MLS has signed huge stars in the past but none have possessed the personality like Zlatan.

LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic after scoring the game-winning goal | Photo by Jorge Galvez for LA Soccer Nation | March 31, 2018

Ibrahimovic announced his arrival to Los Angeles by placing a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times simply stating,”Dear Los Angeles, You’re Welcome” signed by the Galaxy’s new No. 9. At his introductory press conference, he told reporters that it was destiny that he’d be in city of Angels claiming that LA called and he answered.

“I know what I’m able to do. I know what I can do. I’m here to win.”

Adding one of the game’s most prolific scorers, signals that the LA Galaxy wants to reclaim its throne at the top by scoring more goals. They also added Norwegian striker Ola Kamara in the off-season who had scored 36 goals in 65 MLS appearances to form a potent attack. The duo could start together for the first time on Sunday against Sporting KC.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic surrounded by his LA Galaxy teammates after their win | Photo by Jorge Galvez for LA Soccer Nation | March 31, 2018

I know it’s only one game for the 36-year-old but the successful trajectory he’s had in his career is evidence enough to expect huge things for Ibrahimovic and the LA Galaxy.

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