Zlatan Ibrahimovic posts defiant message to Manchester United's fans following season-ending knee injury: 'Giving up is not an option'

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has posted a heartfelt message to Manchester United's fans, thanking them for their support in the wake of his season-ending knee injury.

Ibrahimovic was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering significant knee ligament damage during the 2-1 win over Anderlecht in midweek. 

The injury has thrown the striker's Old Trafford future into serious doubt, with his current contract due to expire in the summer. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic posted a picture of his legs to social media alongside a message of thanks to his supporters

Ibrahimovic suffered knee ligament damage during the 2-1 win over Anderlecht in midweek

However, Ibrahimovic has dismissed rumours linking him with retirement - even at the ripe playing age of 36. 

The former Sweden international took to social media on Sunday to post a message to his fans alongside a picture of his injured knee.

'First of all, thank you for all the support and love,' he said. '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. 

The striker's Old Trafford future is now in doubt after he was ruled out for the rest of the season

'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.'

Manchester United coped with the loss of Ibrahimovic against Burnley on Sunday as Jose Mourinho's side claimed a comfortable 2-0 win at Turf Moor. 

The Red Devils will now face cross-city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Thursday night.

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi posted a message of support to Ibrahimovic on Sunday