Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he was too tired to run with ball after stunning debut goal
Friday 18 December 2020 08:55, UK
Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted his stunning 40-yard strike on debut for LA Galaxy came about because he was too tired to run with the ball.
The high-profile signing from Manchester United announced his arrival in Major League Soccer by lashing home a bouncing ball from distance just six minutes after coming on as a substitute, as the Galaxy fought back from 3-0 down against Los Angeles FC on Saturday.
The 36-year-old then headed home in the final seconds to complete a 4-3 win and crown a magnificent derby comeback.
"I felt I played 40 games for my 20 minutes," he said. "I was feeling everything, jet lag, I didn't play for a long time.
"I did the first sprint and I was starting to breathe immediately, so when the second came I said this time I shoot, I don't run with the ball.
"You need to adjust for the weather, you need to adjust for the team, the way it plays. We need to have a balance, to save strength for the whole game because under these weather conditions is not easy. But I also think you get used to it.
"If you look back, every team I came to, first official game, I scored. So, and I said I will not let you down. I will score also today. I was just waiting to come in.
"When you lose 3-0, the adrenaline is pumping even more because you want to be able to do something to help the team. The fans were demanding something and I gave them Zlatan."
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