Footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hung up his footballing boots at the age of 41. He was playing for AC Milan in his final few days in Italy’s Serie A League. In an emotional speech, he bid farewell to this beautiful game.
Zlatan made the news public after his side’s 3-1 victory over Verona in the Serie A. Olivier Giroud had scored a goal and Rafael Leao had netted a brace as AC Milan stormed to a rousing victory.
With tears swelling up in his eyes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided to retire from football. Addressing a packed crowd in Milan at the San Siro stadium, he gave an emotional speech.
“It’s time to say goodbye to football, but not to you. The first time I arrived you gave me happiness, the second time, you gave me love. You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home and I will be a Milanista my entire life,” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic played for Manchester United and PSG before
The enigmatic 41-year-old has previously played for Manchester United and PSG. The Swedish striker who was known for his long-range strikes and his tall and intimidating physique, had joined PSG in 2012 and had played 122 games for them.
He scored 113 goals for PSG. He then joined Manchester United in 2016 and scored 17 goals in 33 games.
Following his stint at Old Trafford, the Swedish talismanic forward joined LA Galaxy and made 56 appearances for them, and had scored 52 goals for them.
His stint with AC Milan from 2019 to 2023 was his 2nd stint with the club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had previously played for the club from 2011 to 2012 and had made 32 appearances and scored 28 goals for them.
Between 2010 and 2011, he was on loan to this very club and scored 14 goals in 29 matches. The legendary forward also has previously played for Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Ajax, and Malmo FF.
Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic return to professional football?
It is highly unlikely that Zlatan will be returning to playing football again. Considering his charismatic and fearsome personality, he might take up a coaching job. As he is a legend of the sport and knows football inside out, he might as well take up a managerial role.
In 2021 when he was asked about his potential return to football post to retirement, he gave a negative reply but with a funny undertone.
“Impossible. Because during the match I’d slap at least two players and, after the match, eight!,” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Also read: Karim Benzema Parts Ways With Real Madrid After 14 Long Years