Aged 41, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided to hang up his boots as his AC Milan contract expires at the end of this month.
AC Milan and the supporters showered Zlatan Ibrahimovic with affection in a touching farewell ceremony prior to Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona.
Ibrahimovic’s contract with AC Milan is finally winding down in June, and after some injury setbacks, he’s made the tough choice to call it quits on his incredible career.
“Even my family didn’t know. I wanted that when I announced it everyone heard it at the same time,” the Swede revealed in his farewell press conference.
Following Ibrahimovic’s announcement, AC Milan held a special ceremony on Sunday. The players and staff showed their respect as well. They all gave him a guard of honor as he stepped onto the San Siro for the final time.
With tears in his eyes, Ibrahimovic was moved by the love and appreciation shown by the AC Milan fans. They unfurled a massive banner saying “Goodbye” at one end of the pitch and chanted his name. The 41-year-old expressed his gratitude by cupping his hands in the shape of a heart and blowing kisses.
Ibrahimovic launched his extraordinary career with Malmo FF in 1999. Two years later, he left for Ajax Amsterdam. It marked the beginning an epic career that saw him dominate the football world with top European teams such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Milan.
Not only did the ex-LA Galaxy star score an unbelievable 511 goals in 866 competitive games at club level, but he also proudly holds the title of the record scorer of the Swedish national team, with an incredible 62 goals in 122 appearances!
Sadly, injuries hampered Ibrahimovic’s last season, and he only managed to make 4 appearances for AC Milan.