The 36-year-old has been out of action ever since he injured his ACL in United's Europa League quarter-final clash against Anderlecht in April.
However, he made his highly anticipated return as a 77th minute substitute for Anthony Martial in the Red Devils' emphatic 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday evening.
After the game, Ibrahimovic spoke to 'MUTV' and explained how bad his injury really was, as well as reaffirming his loyalty to the Old Trafford club.
He said: "I told you, lions don't recover like humans. That I have now proved, rather than just saying it.
"But if people knew what kind of injury I had, they would not believe this. People believe I only had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, but I had more stuff in my knee that was injured.
"I want to keep that to myself, though, because I don't need to tell the world - it's very sensitive.
"Even in the warm-up, I felt the supporters cheering my name, singing my song. It gives me a lot of energy, a lot of love, motivation, you just want to go out there and give back.
"I was very pumped, very honoured, very proud. In that moment, I just wanted to go out, smell the grass and just give back, play my game, touch the ball as much as possible, feel free to play, doing things I did before my injury, because I have not been able to do these things whilst I was injured.
"I am just thankful I am able to run, do my things, do a little bit of 'abracadabra' magic - things that a lion does!"
Thanks to everybody that stod by my side for the last months.Thanks to my family,coach,teammates,Mino,DarioFort,Dahan,DrFu,DrVolker,Manutd and the most important my fanz.This was not a one man work without all of you I would not be playing fotball today Thank you and I you pic.twitter.com/XpTCWMaEIn
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) 18 de novembro de 2017
Zlatan scored 28 goals in 41 appearances for United last season and has cited his determination as a key factor in his recovery from the horror injury that nearly ended his career.
He said: "I am very thankful that I am able to play football again after what happened. I appreciate every day I can put on the football boots and work hard and play the game that I love, play the game that I have played all my life and the game that means everything for me.
"To give up was not an option, it was only to work my way back and give everything. I am stubborn when it comes to reaching my objectives. When I got injured, my objective was to come back as strong as possible and there was no other choice.
"When I decide something, I am very focused, I do everything 200 per cent. I don't let anyone stop me and I will not give up.