ZLATAN Ibrahimovic has announced his immediate retirement from football.
After AC Milan’s Serie A match against Verona, the 41-year-old Swedish legend declared he was hanging up his boots.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired from football aged 41Credit: Getty
Ibrahimovic appeared emotional as he watched on from the sidelinesCredit: Getty
Ibrahimovic was sidelined after his season was ended by a calf injury in April.
The former Manchester United player received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he was applauded on the San Siro pitch after the final whistle.
Zlatan, who looked dapper in a black shirt, appeared moved by the reception he received and fought back tears.
In the stands, emotional fans were seen sobbing as their hero bid them farewell.
Sandro Tonali, an AC Milan midfielder, was also unable to contain his emotions as he was seen wiping a tear from his eye.
Paolo Maldini, a club legend, presented Ibrahimovic with an award prior to him making a speech.
There are so many memories and feelings in this stadium, he said.
“You brought me joy the first time I came, and you brought me love the second time.
“I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends for their patience. I would like to thank my extended family.
“The team, the coach, and his staff for the trust they placed in me.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the directors for the chance they gave me.
“Last but not least, I want to thank you, fans, from the bottom of my heart.
“You welcomed me with open arms, and I’ll live my entire life as a Milanista.
“We must part ways with football, but not with you.
There are too many emotions and it’s too difficult. If you’re lucky, I’ll run into you somewhere. Thank you, Milan, and good bye.
Zlatan may have implied subtly that he will come back in the future as a supporter, coach, or in the boardroom.
In 2020, Zlatan returned to AC Milan for a second stint with the team.
He won the Serie A championship in his second season, adding to the championship he had previously won in 2010–2011.
In total, he made 163 appearances for the Rossonneri and scored 93 goals.
Fans will always remember him for the impact he had on football in general, though.
Zlatan scored 511 club goals while playing for prestigious clubs like Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter, PSG, Man Utd, LA Galaxy, as well as those stints at AC Milan. He was gifted with an arrogance that was backed up by his brilliance.
He scored 62 goals in 122 games for Sweden, making him their leading scorer all-time.
He was never able to claim the Ballon d’Or; in 2013, he came in fourth place.
When Monza reportedly offered him a contract to play for them in the upcoming season, it seemed last month that he would continue his football career with them.
Zlatan, however, has now made the decision that it is the ideal time to retire from football permanently.
