Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from football at age 41.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his decision to end his playing career at the age of 41. This is after a trophy-laden career at some of Europe’s top clubs.
Ibrahimovic will end a remarkable career when his Milan contract expires at the end of June . It is not renewable due to a season marred by injuries.
The Swede previously helped Milan win the Scudetto with them in 2011 and again last season. He returned to Milan in early 2020 for a second stint.
He was applauded by the San Siro crowd after Milan’s 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona in their season-ending match. “I say goodbye to football but not to you,” he said.
“When I first arrived, you brought me joy, and when I returned, you brought me love. I appreciate the patience of my family and friends, and I thank them.
The charismatic striker began his professional career in 1999 with Malmo FF and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001. Since then, he has spent time at Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris St. Germain, Manchester United, and Milan.
The Swede has won a huge number of domestic leagues, cups, and individual awards. But he has yet to take home the Champions League trophy, which represents Europe’s top club competition.
Ibrahimovic, the all-time leading scorer for Sweden with 62 goals in 121 games, left the team following the 2016 Euros. Returning in 2021 for their fruitless World Cup qualifying campaign.
I appreciate the journalists’ patience, and without me you’ll have less work to do now. After announcing his retirement, Ibrahimovic told reporters in a press conference, “I am a free man from this world of football as of tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who helped me maintain my courage, energy, and emotions throughout such a long career.
