OTD: Zlatan Arrives
By Anthony Rotz
On this day, March 31st, 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrives in the most Zlatan way imaginable in the first-ever El Trafico.
It’s already been five years since Zlatan captivated MLS audiences with his stateside debut. Along with the Swede came audacious goals and some even bolder quotes as only Zlatan can. The striker announced his signing in the Los Angeles Times with a full-page advertisement stating “Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome”.
A knee injury derailed his Manchester United tenure and helped land Zlatan in Los Angeles following his contract termination.
Making his debut against new inner-city rivals, LAFC, Zlatan initially started on the bench, something that would not last for long.
With the Galaxy down 3-0, Sigi Schmid called on Zlatan in the 71st minute and a new chapter in MLS history was written. Within minutes, Zlatan scored one of the most exhilarating goals in league history to equalize the game.
The eclectic striker wasn’t done there, also netting the winner to complete an epic comeback in stoppage time.
The era of Zlatan had officially begun.
While a short era, it produced some of the most exciting moments in league history and despite his much-discussed age, Zlatan utterly dominated the league, scoring 53 goals in 58 appearances.
A mercurial athlete who left an indelible mark, by the end of his tenure, the whole league was saying thank you.