AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from football at 41
Sweden’s all-time top scorer has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Juventus, Barcelona, PSG and Milan.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a celebrated attacker for AC Milan and a native of Sweden, publicly announces his decision to call it quits at the age of 41. His extraordinary career has been highlighted by a stunning collection of honours amassed throughout his time at numerous elite European football teams.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Milan contract will expire at the end of June, and it has been decided that no extension would be sought, partly because of a season hampered by recurrent injuries. The prestigious player has decided to terminate his spectacular and illustrious career as a result of this tragic scenario.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic began his second endeavour with the team in early 2020 after an earlier successful stay with them in 2011. His comeback was crucial to the squad's success since he not only helped the team win the Scudetto the previous season but also played a significant part in leading the team to another league title.
Following the conclusion of AC Milan's season-ending victory over Hellas Verona (3-1) in front of the San Siro crowd, Zlatan Ibrahimovic thanked the supporters and said his final goodbyes to football. He addressed the crowd and announced his retirement from the game while assuring the audience that his link with them would never be severed, highlighting his strong affinity with the supporters.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic expressed his gratitude to the San Siro supporters in a touching statement, acknowledging their part in bringing him joy and affection throughout his time there. In his reflections on his journey, he expressed thanks to his family and close friends for their consistent support and tolerance throughout his professional life.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic began his remarkable football career in 1999 with Malmo FF, when he made his professional debut. Ibrahimovic is a dynamic and powerful striker. In 2001, he changed teams and joined Ajax Amsterdam, starting a spectacular journey. His career has since seen noteworthy stints at illustrious teams like the Italian club Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris St. Germain, Manchester United, and it has culminated with his return to AC Milan. Ibrahimovic has made a lasting impression on the footballing globe during his long career.
The fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not yet won the coveted Champions League trophy, the pinnacle of European league competition, is a glaring omission from his illustrious career despite his multiple victories in domestic leagues and cups and a plethora of individual honours. Despite his outstanding accomplishments, the coveted Swedish player has yet to realise his dream of winning this specific award due to its elusiveness.
After Euro 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who currently holds the prestigious distinction of Sweden's all-time highest goal scorer after tallying an incredible 62 goals in 121 games, decided to stop representing his country. Despite their regrettable failure to qualify for the tournament, he made his comeback to the national squad in 2021 to take part in their World Cup qualifying efforts.
Following the news of his retirement, Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave a press conference where he thanked the media for their patience and made a joke about it. He jokingly commented to the media that they would no longer be required to cover his endeavours. He continued by announcing that he will no longer play football as of the next day, thereby leaving the world of professional sports.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who gave him the tenacity, thrill, and sincere feelings that drove him ahead throughout the course of his lengthy career. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to giving him the strength to endure during his extraordinary journey, thankful for the constant support he got.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic stated that he now wants to take a break and appreciate his achievements. In spite of the intense feelings associated with his impending retirement, he preferred to avoid making snap judgements and recognised the necessity for a careful, contemplative approach. He stated that he intended to spend the summer in reflection before deciding on his next move. Ibrahimovic hopes to be well-prepared for his future move by taking this thoughtful break.
When asked about who could replace him, Ibrahimovic's answer was clear.Impossible,there is only one Zlatan! As A child, they compared me to (former Netherlands striker) Marco van Basten, but he is who he is and Iam who Iam, he said
While acknowledging that there could be some parallels, Zlatan Ibrahimovic advised against drawing any firm conclusions. He voiced uncertainty that another person with the same amount of ego as himself could be discovered given his particular personality and self-confidence. Ibrahimovic emphasised the importance to respect his personality without seeking to make direct comparisons to others, implicitly acknowledging his special nature.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic openly admitted that the evening had brought up a variety of powerful emotions for him as he wrapped up the news conference. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the choice he had taken, admitting that overall it had been an emotional experience. His admission showed the intensity of feeling and importance surrounding the news of his retirement.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic expressed his sincere appreciation and joy, saying that he couldn't have imagined a more extraordinary and unforgettable evening. He experienced a true sense of belonging from the beginning of his adventure with Milan, Italy, both in its prior and present iterations. He understood the enormous vacuum that would be left behind and said that he would really miss the club as he prepared to say goodbye. He said that this specific event had further cemented his bond with the team and its followers by bringing forth and showcasing for all to see his genuine personality.
SOURCE: REUTERS