AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his decision to retire from football a the age of 41. After a season marred by injuries, the striker’s contract with AC Milan expires at the end of June, and he had previously made it clear he would not be extending it. But on Sunday, the Swedish icon declared that “it’s time to say goodbye to football.” Ibrahimovic was given a guard of honor by his teammates as he departed the ground after being serenaded by Milan supporters holding aloft a big Tifo spelling out ‘Godbye’.
“I have so many memories and feelings associated with this place. When I first arrived, you made me happy. a second chance,” AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said. “I wish to express my gratitude to my family and close friends for their tolerance. I would want to thank the players, my second family. I want to express my gratitude to Stefano Pioli and his crew for entrusting me with this duty. I appreciate the managers giving me this chance.”
“But most importantly, I want to thank all of my fans from the bottom of my heart. You gave me a warm welcome and helped me feel at home. I’ll always support AC Milan. It’s time to part ways with football, but not with you,” he added. “There are far too many emotions running through me. If you’re lucky, I’ll see you around. Milan Forza and good-bye.”
The striker started his career as a professional in 1999 with Malmo FF and then transferred to Ajax Amsterdam in 2001. He has since played for a number of elite European teams, including Milan, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. Ibrahimovic returns to the club in early 2020 for a second spell after helping Milan win the Scudetto in 2011 and the title once again the season before.
Ibrahimovic, who has 62 goals in 121 appearances for Sweden, departed the team after the 2016 European Championships but later joined them again in 2021 for their catastrophic World Cup qualification run. Earlier in the evening, Rafael Leao and the seasoned striker joined the celebration on the sidelines after Leao scored Milan’s second and third goals of the game. AC Milan defeated Hellas Verona 3-1.
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