Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sunday announced his retirement from football, ahead of the expiration of his AC Milan contract at the end of June.
The 41-year-old Swedish striker told fans at AC Milan’s San Siro he was saying “goodbye to football, but not to you.”
He was given a guard of honour by his team-mates as he left the pitch.
Ibrahimovic scored 511 goals in 866 club games as well as 62 in 122 for his country
“I have so many memories and lived so many emotions in here, the first time I arrived here you gave me happiness. The second time love,” he said.
“I want to thank my family, everyone close to me, for their patience. I want to thank my second family, the players. I want to thank (AC Milan head coach Stefano) Pioli and his staff for the responsibility you have given me. I want to thank the managers for the opportunity.
“But most important of all: from my heart I want to thank you fans. You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not to you.
“I have too many emotions that are passing through me. See you around, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye”.
Ibrahimovic started his professional career in 1999 at Malmo FF and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001.
Since then has played for clubs like Manchester United, Inter Milan and Milan.
He is Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 matches.
He had quit the national team after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
