Juan Mata has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and says that it "has been a privilege" sharing a dressing room at Manchester United with the departing striker.

Ibrahimovic announced earlier this week that he will continue his playing career stateside with Los Angeles Galaxy after having his United contract terminated three months early.

Mata spent 19 months in the same side as Ibrahimovic, the last few of which have seen the 36-year-old nursing an injury complaint, and the Spaniard now hopes to see his former teammate achieve success in the United States.

"Last week we bade farewell to Zlatan, who will continue his career in the LA Galaxy," he posted on his official blog. "It's been a privilege to share the dressing room with one of the best strikers of the last 15 years.

"A footballer with a special personality on and off the pitch, who has played in different leagues and always in big clubs. Good luck in the MLS, Zlatan, I'm sure that you will keep scoring goals and enjoying football for a long time."

Ibrahimovic has reportedly taken a 95% pay cut to join MLS side LA Galaxy.