Legendary AC Milan and Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from Football at the age of 41 on Sunday.
Ibrahimovic’s contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed after having spent months on the sidelines due to knee surgery he underwent.
The striker also became the oldest player to ever score in the top flight of Italian football and made just four appearances for Millan during an injury-hit 2022-23 season
Speaking during a press conference, Ibrahimovic revealed that no one knew that he was going to announce his retirement because he wanted everyone to hear about it at the same time.
“Even my family didn’t know, because I wanted that when I announced it everyone head it at the same time, I have so many memories and emotions inside this stadium, the first time I arrived you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love,” he said in his farewell speech.
The Swedish striker also thanked the fans, players, and family for their support.
“I want to thank my family, I want to thank my second family, the players. I want to thank the coach and his staff for the responsibility, I want to thank the directors for the opportunity. Last but not least, from my heart, I want to thank you fans,” he said
There was a special ceremony dedicated to him after the match Milan’s 3-1 win over Verona, as he was given a guard of honor by his teammates and Staff while he walked out onto the field.
Ibrahimovic’s incredible 24-year career
Ibrahimovic scored 93 goals in 163 appearances over two spells at Milan. He returned in January 2020 and helped Millan win the Serie A title last year.
The Swedish striker also featured for different clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and La Galaxy winning 32 trophies in his career.
He is Sweden’s all-time leading scorer, with 62 goals in 121 matches and 561 goals for club and country in his career.
