‘I hope you know God has arrived’ – Mata reveals Ibra intro

Ian Watson

Juan Mata has revealed how Zlatan Ibrahimovic left Man Utd staff “shaking” upon their introduction to the star striker.

Ibrahimovic joined United in summer 2016 on a free from PSG and the Swede made a hugely favourable impact during his first season in the Premier League, scoring 28 goals in all competitions.

He made an equally memorable first impression on the club staff when he rocked up at Old Trafford, according to Mata.

“The day he arrived, we were away on pre-season, so he was on his own with the kit men at the training ground,” Mata told FourFourTwo for their January issue.

“They had never met him before and he’s the sort of guy that garners instant respect because of the way he carries himself.

“Zlatan apparently looked the kit men up and down and said: ‘I hope you know God has arrived’.

“The kit men were shaking and didn’t know what to think, then he fell about laughing with them. He always does that.”