Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists that giving up is not an option, after being ruled out for nine months with a knee injury.

The Swede striker was forced off the field, after sustaining knee ligament damage during United’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter-final clash at Old Trafford last Thursday.

The 35-year-old says he will continue to nurse his injury and work hard on improving his performance before returning for United. But Ibrahimovic says that he will not call time on his career, despite being sidelined for up to nine months.

‘First of all, thank you for all the support and love,’ Ibrahimovic told the Manchester United website.

‘It’s no news I got injured, so I will be out of football for a while. I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger.

‘So far, I played with one leg, so it shouldn’t be any problem. One thing is for sure, I decide when it’s time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not an option. See you soon.’

The former Inter Milan striker has enjoyed an impressive first season with the Red Devils and is United’s top scorer with 28 goals in all competitions.

Manchester United are now set to take on Manchester City in a mouth-watering Manchester derby in the Premier League on Thursday.

The match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off at 21:00.

Image: Manchester United website