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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: I'm a fine red wine who could play until 50

Manchester United's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between West
Image: Could Zlatan Ibrahimovic still be terrorising defences in 2031?

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has likened himself to a "fine red wine" and would not be surprised if he is still playing when he turns 50.

Ibrahimovic has made a predictably strong impact since his arrival at Old Trafford over the summer, scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday to take his tally to 16 goals since his debut in the Community Shield.

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He has been United's chief goalscoring threat in recent games, claiming five of their last seven Premier League goals to get them back in touch with the top four.

And the 35-year-old, by some way Sweden's leading all-time goalscorer, feels there is little sign of him slowing down.

He said: "The older I get, the better I get, like red wine. You like red wine? I'm a perfect example of that.

"I'm settling in. I feel happy, I feel good. Even if I'm 35, in my mind I'm 20. I think I could play also at 50, but it's not down to me.

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West Brom 0-2 Manchester Utd

"The only thing that surprises me [about the Premier League] is that the game is not controlled.

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"Back and front, back and front, the rhythm is high but this is how the game is and you have to adapt your body to it. I have played in different championships in different countries and always adapted."

There was also praise from the West Brom 'keeper he beat twice on Saturday, former United player Ben Foster.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United (C) celebrates scoring his side's second goal v West Brom, Premier League
Image: Ibrahimovic has scored 16 goals since his arrival at Old Trafford over the summer

Foster said: "He's good in the air, he's got great feet, he's powerful. Look at his second goal - most players are looking to pass but he chips it over the defender and just wellies it.

"How old is he? 35? Jesus - he's brilliant. You don't do what he's done by just being a big lump."

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