Ibrahimovic's return to LA Galaxy official, will sign as Designated Player

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will grace Major League Soccer pitches for at least another season after the LA Galaxy confirmed Tuesday that the Swedish striker will return in 2019 as a Designated Player.

Ibrahimovic originally joined the MLS side as a Targeted Allocation Money signing on a two-year contract. But, in order to ensure his return, the Galaxy offered him an improved contract to deter him from returning to Europe, where a number of clubs were reportedly interested in signing him.

"We are very pleased to sign Zlatan to a new contract that will see him return for the 2019 season," general manager Dennis te Kloese said. "He showed his value last season and we look forward to him representing our club next year. With Zlatan returning, we will continue to improve our team in advance of the season."

His new status as a Designated Player will eventually result in the Galaxy cutting ties with one of their three existing DPs - Gio dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, and Romain Alessandrini - before the 2019 campaign kicks off.

The 37-year-old made a smooth transition to the North American league following his exit from Manchester United last March, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists in his debut season.

Ibrahimovic's positive form led to speculation after the MLS season that he could return to Europe, with reports indicating that another former team of his, AC Milan, were front-runners to sign him.

Speculation over his future was virtually put to rest Monday when Ibrahimovic indicated that a return to Los Angeles was imminent by releasing a video on social media with a caption that read, "MLZ, I'm not done with you yet."