BREAKING: Ibrahimovic announces retirement

The international football community recognises today as a very sad day. After AC Milan's final match of Serie A, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took everyone by surprise and announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.

The Swede, who will not continue with Milan next season, dropped the bombshell at the end of his team's match against Hellas Verona. The now former striker took the microphone and broke the news in tears.

"You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be Milanese for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, not to you," Zlatan said as the entire stadium was moved, as were his teammates and coaching staff.

The legend hangs up his boots after a 24-year career. He made his professional debut with Malmo on September 19, 1999, in a match against Halmstads Bollklubb. And his last game was played on March 18, 2023, in an Udinese-Milan match. That match ended 3-1 in favor of the home side and the Swede scored the goal of honor for his team. 

One of the icons of world soccer, the player with the biggest ego in the world and a charismatic character loved by the entire planet, is retiring. It was rumored that a farewell was not among his plans, but it appears everything has taken a 180-degree turn.

Ibrahimovic brings the curtain down on his time as a player after spending time with 9 teams: Malmo (1999-2001), Ajax (2001-02), Juventus (2004-06), Inter (2006-09), Barcelona (2009-2011), AC Milan (2010-11 and 2019-23), PSG (2012-16), United (2016-18) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2018 and 2019).

 

June 4, 2023