Ashley Cole has backed new Los Angeles Galaxy teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic to light up Major League Soccer following his arrival from Manchester United.

The 36-year-old is the latest high-profile name to move Stateside for the closing stages of his illustrious career, which has seen him win countless major honours in European football.

Ibrahimovic ended last season as United's top scorer in all competitions, and Cole sees no reason why the former Sweden international cannot achieve similar success during his time in LA.

"I've played against him many times," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "I remember once I've faced him in a World Cup and I've got him one-on-one and I've thought 'you've got to knock it but you aren't going to outrun me'. Then he's knocked it and he's gone.

"He's a big, powerful strong guy so he's somebody we can use. With his technical ability as well, he can score goals. He wants to win. I know his personality and he hasn't come here to relax and enjoy a holiday.

"He's come here to win and fight. I'm not talking out of turn, but I think he'll find it easy here to be honest. He has all the attributes to still be great. He's going to score goals for sure so hopefully he can stay fit. Even though he's old, like me!"

Ibrahimovic has reportedly taken a big pay cut to join Galaxy, with his salary now said to be £710,000 a season.