​Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the striker who marked the last decades of world football, announced the end of his career at the age of 41 on Sunday, during the last match of Milan this season in Serie A (3-1 against Verona).

Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from football: “Forza Milan” and goodbye

The injury-plagued Swede had an emotional moment at San Siro and, despite his tough-guy image, struggled to hold back tears in front of the fans.

“I’m saying goodbye to football, not to you. There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye. The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love.

You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanese for the rest of my life.” Zlatan told Milan fans..

After being booed by the Verona fans, Zlatan delivered the signature line he has become famous for throughout his career: “Boo, boo… It’s the time of year for you when you see me.”

During his career, which began in the last century, Ibrahimovic won 34 trophies and was nominated for the Golden Ball 11 times.

“I used to be scared when journalists asked me about my future, but now I can accept it, I’m ready.

I’ve done it my whole life. Football made me human. It allowed me to meet people I would never have met otherwise. Thanks to football, I traveled all over the world. All because of football” – Zlatan Ibrahimovichin front of journalists, after his loud announcement.

Zlatan Ibrahimovich, dream career

After leaving his hometown club Malmö, Ibrahimovic played for Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus Turin, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan before joining PSG in 2012, at the start of the Qatari project, writes News .ro.

He has contributed greatly to the rise of the club, both on and off the field. His record in Paris? 180 matches, 156 goals and 61 assists.

What else did he achieve? Four French league titles, two French Cup triumphs and three League Cup triumphs, plus three Super Cups. “I came here like a king and I’m leaving like a legend,” joked the Malmö-born footballer as he left Parc des Princes in 2016.

He went on to play for Manchester United before trying his luck in the MLS with the LA Galaxy. However, against all expectations, Ibrahimovic returned to Europe and Milan to end his brilliant career.

His return was marked by the Italian title at the end of the 2021-22 season, his fifth in total (2 with AC Milan, 3 with Inter). Ibra has added to his record everywhere he has played except MLS.

However, he left his mark on world football with his goals (493 for his club in 819 games, 62 for his country in 122 appearances), most notably that magical 30-yard strike in front of Joe Hart’s goal in a friendly. in England in 2013, but also because of his extraordinary technical and physical qualities, because of his sense of execution.

With an impressive physique and a passion for martial arts, “Ibra” was nevertheless betrayed by his body. In 2022-2023, he played only four matches for Lombardi, scored one goal and made only one appearance. Injuries were to blame. He ended up being a spectator at Sunday’s match against Verona. But, of course, the main news of the evening was the announcement of his retirement from football.