Ibrahimovic wishes he had his present mind ten years back

Manchester, Dec 13 (IANS) Manchester United's star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Tuesday said he wished he could have had his present mind ten years ago.

The 35-year-old scored the only goal for United in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL) and will presumably register his 24th appearance of the season in Wednesday's match at Crystal Palace.

While speaking to ManUtd.com and the media following the invaluable victory over Tottenham, Ibrahimovic expressed a desire to transport his current experience to the younger version of himself.

"I think I play much more intelligently now because, of course, you change a lot during the years. You get a different physique, you get a different condition, strengths and experiences," Ibrahimovic said.

"But I wish I had the mind that I have today 10 years ago, because then I will be even more phenomenal."

Apart from being the Man United's top-scorer, the former Sweden captain has also become a dressing room leader, with young talents eager to learn the tricks of the trade from one of the best goal-poachers of the generation.

And Ibrahimovic felt that sharing the knowledge with youngsters is an added responsibility that he is fulfilling.

"I try to help in every way I can with my experience and the goals will come. Goals are extra, a bonus lets say. If I score then I help the team, but I think I can help in many ways and this is the experience thing. Marcus (Rashford) is a young player, his career has just begun and I am towards the end of my career," he said.

"I try to help in many ways without the ball, with the ball, with movements, by communicating, by sacrificing. It is part of the game and as a player I want to be as complete as possible, so this is one of the things I have been trying to do."

Ibrahimovic was sure United would not concede a late goal against Spurs, but joked it would have been the most disappointing moment of his career if that was the case. "I was confident," he said.

"The last game against Everton was more risky, but I was confident we would not concede any goals. We looked good through the whole game. We had a lot of confidence and control. If we had conceded a goal at the end I would not know what to say -- it would be the most disappointing moment of my career."

--IANS

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