Swedish football legend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic bid an emotional farewell to the sport as he announced his retirement following AC Milan’s Serie A match against Verona. After sustaining a calf injury in April that prematurely ended his campaign, Ibrahimovic watched from the sidelines. At the end of the game, he stood on the San Siro pitch, donning a sleek black shirt, as the home crowd rose to their feet, applauding and paying tribute to their beloved star. Overwhelmed by the reception, Zlatan fought back tears, and fans in the stands were also visibly moved, shedding tears themselves.
During a poignant ceremony before the match, Ibrahimovic was presented with an award by AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, after which he delivered a heartfelt speech.
Expressing his gratitude, he said, “So many memories and emotions inside this stadium. The first time I arrived, you gave me happiness; the second time, you gave me love.” He thanked his family, friends, the players, the coaching staff, and the club’s directors for their support and belief in him. Most importantly, he expressed his gratitude to the fans, proclaiming, “You welcomed me with open arms, and I will be a Milanista my entire life.”
While bidding farewell to his playing career, Zlatan left the door open for a potential future role at AC Milan, teasing, “It’s time to say goodbye to football, but not to you. I’ll see you around if you are lucky.” This hint suggests that he may return as a fan, coach, or member of the club’s board in the future.
Zlatan’s second stint with AC Milan, which began in 2020, culminated in winning the Serie A title in his second season, adding to the championship he secured during his first spell with the club in 2010-11. Overall, he scored an impressive 93 goals in 163 appearances for the Rossoneri. However, it was his indelible mark on the world of football that will forever resonate with fans. With an unmatched blend of audacity and brilliance, Ibrahimovic amassed 511 club goals throughout his illustrious career, representing esteemed clubs such as Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter, PSG, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and, of course, AC Milan.
For the Swedish national team, Zlatan netted 62 goals in 122 matches, solidifying his status as their all-time leading scorer. Despite his remarkable achievements, he fell short of winning the Ballon d’Or, with his highest finish being fourth place in 2013. While there were rumors of a potential move to Monza for the upcoming season, Ibrahimovic ultimately decided that the time had come to bid a final farewell to the beautiful game he had graced with his immense talent and larger-than-life personality.
