Zlatan Ibrahimovic introduced himself to the LA Galaxy fans, and Major League Soccer, in the best possible fashion with a dream debut.
The Swedish international joined the MLS' most successful side in March 2018, making his first appearance in the first ever El Tráfico, or the Los Angeles Derby as it's more commonly known, against the newly-formed Los Angeles FC on March 31.
Carlos Vela's brace, combined with Daniel Steres' own goal, put the visitors into a commanding 3-0 lead with 48 minutes played but Galaxy battled back, and Ibrahimovic took centre stage.
Sebastian Lletget gave the home side hope before Ibrahimovic was introduced as a 71st minute substitute. Chris Pontius netted to make it 2-3 moments later but the striker stepped up and stole the show, alongside all three points on offer.
His first goal came in the 77th minute with an incredible half volley from 45 yards out. It left the goalkeeper helpless as the ball sailed over him and into the net.
Then, in injury time, the forward was in the right place once again as he connected with Ashley Cole's cross and directed a header into the goal.
"The fans wanted Zlatan and I gave them Zlatan," he said after the game.
👌 Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored 53 goals in 58 games for LA Galaxy, including this one on his debut two years ago today!
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) March 31, 2020
🤣 He also gave a typical Zlatan answer when asked if his strike was better than that year's Puskas award winner Mo Salah...pic.twitter.com/BofkKSZwyZ
Ibrahimovic would go onto become a star stateside, scoring 53 goals in 58 appearances alongside contributing a further 15 assists.
In December 2019, Ibrahimovic ended his spell at the club as he returned to AC Milan.
