‘Football has retired from Zlatan’ – Fans emotional as Zlatan Ibrahimovic announces retirement from professional football

At the age of 41, football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared his retirement from the sport. Following Sunday’s match against Hellas Verona, the striker informed the AC Milan supporters that he would be retiring from the sport. In front of the San Siro crowd, Ibrahimovic broke down in tears as he said goodbye to the team and ended his illustrious career.

“The first time we arrived at Milan you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love. From my heart I want to thank you fans,” he said. “You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for the whole It’s time to say goodbye to football, not you,” he added.

Ibrahimovic’s departure from Milan was confirmed this week following the conclusion of the forward’s injury-plagued season. Although he claimed he would play again the next season, his career ends with this. The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star has played just four times this season, most recently on March 18 against Udinese.

‘Impossible. Because during the match I’d slap at least two players and, after the match, eight!’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a coaching career

The mysterious Swede, who also played for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, PSG, United, and the LA Galaxy, has opted to end his trophy-laden career. Over his 24 years playing professional football, he won league championships in the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy.

What is in store for the famed assailant is still a mystery. He won’t be entering the dugout any time soon, though, it’s safe to say. Ibrahimovic famously responded to a question about a prospective coaching career in 2021 by saying: “Impossible. Because during the match I’d slap at least two players and, after the match, eight!”

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 62 goals in 121 games for Sweden, left the team following the 2016 Euros but returned in 2021 for their disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign. Ibrahimovic concluded his remarks in a flamboyant fashion and with a smile. He said: “It’s too difficult, there are so many emotions going through me now. But I will say, ‘I’ll see you around if you’re lucky.’

Here’s how fans reacted:

Zlatan has made football so enjoyable and humorous, whenever you see him you know something will happen. His character is one of a kind and he left a mark. Legendary

— adam (@FGRAdam) June 4, 2023

Zlatan did not retire from football, football retired from Zlatan

— MrBDK (@MrBDK_YT) June 4, 2023

my favorite player of all time❤️

— Cooyah ! (@Cooyah_) June 4, 2023

https://twitter.com/RayRayOfficial/status/1665473149062750208

https://twitter.com/AL_enezi97/status/1665484663895339008

https://twitter.com/Views09/status/1665470892627951616

https://twitter.com/crimship/status/1665471120399540226

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