Zlatan Ibrahimovic responds to retirement fears

The 41-year-old striker has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on a career-threatening knee injury.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic aims to return to the pitch ‘very soon’ from a long-term knee injury.

The Swede had surgery in May to treat a knee injury. Despite concerns the injury may pull the curtain on a splendid 23-year career, AC Milan awarded him a new one-year contract in July.

Now Ibrahimovic, who scored eight goals in 23 appearances last season, is hopeful he’ll be back soon.

Zlatan Ibrahimović, a charismatic, winning personality capable of radiating strength and ambition to an entire team, was honoured with the Globe Soccer PLAYER CAREER AWARD last night 🏆@Ibra_official @WaldorfDIFC #WaldorfDIFC pic.twitter.com/vNiMDQJ90y

— Globe Soccer Awards (@Globe_Soccer) November 18, 2022

“I want to be back on the pitch soon,” the veteran forward said at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. “I feel good, I hope to be back very soon.”

Ibrahimovic added he had played without an ACL in his left knee for six months after his operation. He took painkillers every day and was restricted to just 10 minutes of team training.

The former PSG and Manchester United star’s last appearance for AC Milan was in the 3-0 final-day win over Sassuolo, which confirmed the club as Serie A champions.