Zlatan Ibrahimović announced his immediate retirement from football, as the 41-year-old ends his playing career with Italian club AC Milan.
Ibrahimović’s contract with AC Milan will not be renewed, as it is due to expire at the end of the month. The former Swedish striker has an illustrious 24-year career filled with accolades and awards, as it started with Malmö Sweden in 1999. The star footballer won 32 trophies, including league titles in the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy with both Inter and AC for Milan.
Ibrahimović also scored 511 career goals, hailed as one of the best strikers and one of the most decorated footballers to ever play. Internationally, he was “capped” or “appeared with their senior national team” 122 times by Sweden as their all-time leading scorer with 62 goals.
Ibrahimović spoke for his retirement speech at San Siro Stadium in Italy, as he said his farewell to Milan on Sunday: ‘So many memories and emotions inside this stadium.’
In 2017, Ibrahimović helped the Manchester United club win the EFL Cup and the Europa League but past that, his time playing in England was cut short due to a severe cruciate ligament injury.
Ibrahimović defied the odds and was eventually healthy enough to play again, joining the LA Galaxy for the next 21 months before coming back home to Italy for a second time with AC Milan. He then helped his club claim their first Serie A title in 11 years last season. Ibrahimović tributes to Milan in his retirement speech:
‘The first time I arrived you gave me happiness, the second time, you gave me love. I want to thank my family and those close to me for their patience. I want to thank my second family. The players, the coach, and his staff for the responsibility they gave me. I want to thank the directors for the opportunity they gave me.
“Last but not least, from my heart, I want to thank you, fans. You welcomed me with open arms and I will be a Milanista my entire life.”
‘It’s time to say goodbye to football, but not to you. It’s too difficult, there are too many emotions. I’ll see you around if you are lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye.’
