Zlatan Ibrahimovic played down extent of injury: 'It was more than the knee'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hid the true extent of his injury, and added that if it was known there would be "shock" that he has managed to return to professional football.

Ibrahimovic made his comeback in Manchester United's 4-1 win over Newcastleon Saturday after seven months on the sidelines.

After suffering a knee ligament injury in April, he had surgery in the United States in May. He was expected back in January at the earliest, only to beat that prediction by six weeks.

But after playing the final 13 minutes against Newcastle, the 36-year-old revealed his injury was more serious than anyone -- bar a small group of friends, family and medical professionals -- knew.

He said: "In my recovery, I have not rushed anything. I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day. The only secret has been working hard.

"Those close to me know what I have been doing -- I was working five, six hours a day. When it happened I said giving up was not an option.

"I am very proud of the moment, and for everyone around me because I wouldn't have done it alone.

"This was not one man's work, it was everyone's and thanks to them that I am back on the field and can play, because if people knew the real injury they would be in shock that I was even playing.