King of the jungle: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's back tattoo could be the most epic ever

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's new back tattoo. Photo / Instagram

Footballing superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has added to his already impressive collection of tattoos with what he calls "finest art" - and now has his entire back covered in ink.

The Manchester United forward and former Sweden international posted a picture of his impressive new body art on social media on Monday, with the image garnering over 1.3 million likes on Instagram.

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The 36-year-old striker, who famously refered to himself as a "lion" after recovering from a serious knee injury in November last year, recently added the outline of the king of the jungle on his back.

According to Daily Mail Australia, he now has more than a dozen tattoos on his upper body alone - each one with its own significant meaning.

Ibrahimovic's artwork originally featured a Maori tribal symbol, "to protect him, his family and bring good luck", Daily Mail reported.

An image of a Buddhist monk on his right shoulder is said to "protect from suffering", while another Buddhist feature on his back represents the five elements of wind, water, fire, space and creative perception and is called Five Deva Faces Yantra.

Leonardo da Vinci's 'Vitruvian Man' and a Native American feather - representing strength and courage - also features.

He has now had the lion image extended so that all his tattoos are connected to cover his back.

In his autobiography, I am Zlatan, the controversial player admits to being "addicted" to tattoos, saying: "I was against them in the beginning. Thought they were in bad taste. But I got tempted anyway".

Ibrahimovic has struggled for Manchester United this season. Photo / Getty

Ibrahimovic has not had a happy time at Old Trafford, since re-signing for United on a one-year deal in August - scoring only once in seven appearances.

And with Romelu Lukaku rediscovering some of his best form and Alexis Sanchez joining the club from Arsenal on Tuesday, Ibrahimovic looks set for even less time on the pitch.