Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knee has strengthened in the past year, and now the LA Galaxy have been strengthened as well.

Reported during the Timbers post-match scrum by Delmy Barillas of LA Sports Access and confirmed again this morning by Adam Serrano, the 37-year old anticipates playing on artificial surfaces for the 2019 season. Not just this Friday at Vancouver vs. the Whitecaps, but potentially all season long. After fully recovering from a career-threatening ACL injury playing with Manchester United in 2017, Ibra now has the confidence to give turf a second chance having previously scoffed at the Providence Park turf last season.

With the Galaxy additionally scheduled to play on turf in , the markedly different change in mentality from the big Swede is a boost for Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s squad. (And opposing team’s box offices)

Zlatan also emphasizing that turf games should not be a concern for him this season. Stated that last season was special because of the knee injury but now, he feels fresh and feels good, and doesn’t expect it to be an issue moving forward. #LAGalaxy — Delmy Barillas (@DelmyBarillas) April 1, 2019

Here’s to hoping the talismanic striker can stay healthy and avoid the dreading injury bug.