Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over two decades.
The 41-year-old striker revealed that he will be hanging up his boots at the conclusion of his current contract, which expires at the end of the season. After enduring a season plagued by injuries, Ibrahimovic made the decision not to renew his contract for the upcoming seasons.
The farewell ceremony took place during AC Milan’s last home match of the season which they comfortably won 3-1. The Milan fans. As Ibrahimovic made his way off the pitch, his teammates formed a guard of honour, paying tribute to his illustrious career.
Clearly moved by the heartfelt farewell, Ibrahimovic addressed the supporters, his voice choked with tears. “The time has arrived to say goodbye,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the immense support he received throughout his career.
In a final message to the fans, Ibrahimovic proclaimed, “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.”
Zlatan’s Career
Ibrahimovic’s illustrious career began in 1999 when he joined Malmo FF. He later moved to Ajax Amsterdam in 2001 before embarking on a journey that included stints at European powerhouses such as Manchester United, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
While he achieved great success with several clubs, his most notable spell came at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he was affectionately referred to as the Prince of the Parc des Princes. Despite competing against some of the world’s best players, Ibrahimovic was unable to secure the elusive UEFA Champions League trophy for the French giants.
Throughout his career, Ibrahimovic made notable transfers, including moves to Juventus and Inter Milan. His time at Barcelona, under the management of Pep Guardiola, proved challenging as he publicly criticized Guardiola’s tactical decisions.
In 2020, Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan for a second spell with the club, having previously won the Scudetto with them in 2011. His presence and contribution were instrumental in helping Milan clinch the league title once again last season.
Beyond his club career, Ibrahimovic represented the Swedish national team and holds the record as their all-time top scorer, with 62 goals in 121 matches. After initially retiring from international duty following Euro 2016, he made a comeback in 2021 for Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign, although it ended in disappointment.