Zlatan: Kids Persuaded Me To Join United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed his two children persuaded him to join Manchester United.

The striker scored United's opener and winning goal in the 3-2 win over Southampton at Wembley on Sunday with Jose Mourinho joking that supporters should "go to the door of his house" to encourage him to stay at Old Trafford for another season.

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 26 goals since arriving on a free transfer last summer, has yet to confirm whether he will sign a one-year extension clause.

The former Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan forward said it was down to the influence of his two sons and Mourinho that he joined United.

Asked about his plans for next season, the 35-year-old said: "Let's see what happens.

"I think in your career you have moments. I did not come to England before because it was not the moment.

"Even my two kids wanted to see me play at United, I had my mind somewhere else. Before, everything was coming on top of the table, then Jose called.

"I have a special relationship with him. When he called it was basically, 'tell me what number I should wear'.

"My mind was not here. Then my kids started to bump my head and Jose called, then I am here."

Ibrahimovic, who has been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli, insists he is now "the boss" over his future rather than his sons Max and Vincent.

The EFL Cup triumph was the 30th trophy in his career since making his professional debut for Malmo in 1999.

He said it is "special" to prove his doubters wrong in England.

"I look good," he added. "I know I look good. I feel fresh. I feel good.

"I feel like an animal, I feel like a lion. I feel in good shape, I train hard.

"People who know me from the locker room know that I train very hard. I have an objective every season I go into.

"And to reach that objective I need to train hard and I need to suffer when I train - that is how I achieve what I achieve."

Credit: Skysports.com