27.7 C
Accra
Sunday, March 16, 2025
SportsZlatan Ibrahimovic, officially retires from professional football at 41

Date:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, officially retires from professional football at 41

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a 41-year-old Swedish striker who scored 62 goals in 122 international matches and 511 goals in 866 club games, has announced his retirement from football.

Ibrahimovic informed the crowd at AC Milan’s San Siro that he was saying “goodbye to football, but not to you.”

At the age of 41, Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced on Sunday that he has decided to retire from football.

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.

Yet on Sunday, the Swedish icon declared that “it’s time to say goodbye to football.”

A clearly emotional Ibrahimovic was serenaded by the Milan fans who held up a large Tifo spelling out ‘Godbye’ and was then given a guard of honour by his team-mates as he left the pitch.

Speaking on the pitch at full-time, Ibrahimovic said: “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.

“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”.

The striker started his professional career at Malmo FF in 1999 and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001 before embarking on a career that has included leading European teams including Manchester United, Inter Milan and Milan.

Ibrahimovic arrived in Milan for his second spell with the club in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011, and helped them win the title again last season.

Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 matches, quit the national team after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign.

Earlier in the evening Rafael Leao had celebrated his second, and Milan’s third, goal of the game by celebrating with the veteran striker on the sidelines. AC Milan beat Hellas Verona 3-1.

Ibrahimovic’s emotional goodbye in pictures
Ibrahimovic was visibly moved to tears while addressing fans at the San Siro
Image:Ibrahimovic was visibly moved to tears while addressing fans at the San Siro
Rafael Leao celebrated his second, and Milan's third, goal of their 3-1 win over Verona on the touchline
Image:Rafael Leao celebrated his second, and Milan’s third, goal of their 3-1 win over Verona on the touchline
Fans spelt out 'Godbye' in a large Tifo taking up the second tier of the stadium
Image:Fans spelt out ‘Godbye’ in a large Tifo taking up the second tier of the stadium
Ibrahimovic gave a speech to fans at the end of the final game of his Milan contract - and career
Image:Ibrahimovic gave a speech to fans at the end of the final game of his Milan contract – and career
Ibrahimovic was presented with an AC Milan shirt signed by his team-mates at the end of the game
Image:Ibrahimovic was presented with an AC Milan shirt signed by his team-mates at the end of the game
[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Pastor Love predicts hard times ahead for Ghana, calls for prayers

Renowned Ghanaian religious figure Pastor Love Hammond has shared...

Prisons, GNFS get three new security chiefs

President John Dramani Mahama has assigned new leadership roles...

Scrapping E-levy will allow Ghanaians save, spend, and invest – Franklin Cudjoe

IMANI Africa’s Founding President, Franklin Cudjoe, has identified tax...

Man behind NDC’s ‘Ede Be Kɛkɛ’ slogan Wofa K, resurfaces online

Ghanaian television personality Wofa K has made a surprise...

Ghana’s economy has room for greater expansion  – Lecturer

University of Ghana Business School senior lecturer and economist,...

Is Ajagurajah in the US to fight Young Don?

Ghanaian spiritual leader Bishop Ajagurajah’s recent trip abroad has...

God bless Ibrahim Mahama, others who contributed towards my treatment – Kofi Adomah

Renowned media personality Kofi Adomah Nwanwanii has expressed heartfelt...

Related stories

Pep Guardiola hails Brighton as one of the top clubs in football ahead of clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts...

High expectations and family – Alfred Duncan explains why he snubbed return to Black Stars

Former Ghanaian midfielder Alfred Duncan has disclosed that he...

2026 WCQ: Black Stars begin training camp Monday for Chad, Madagascar games

Black Stars of Ghana will start training on Monday,...

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom acquires shares in Melbourne Victory

Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has expanded...