Ibrahimovic began his career at Malmo FF and later played for the likes of Ajax, Barca, Man United, Inter Milan and AC Milan
By Kehinde Okeowo
AC Milan striker and former Sweden international, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.
“It’s the moment to say goodbye to football, not just to you,” Ibrahimovic said on the San Siro pitch following Milan’s 3-1 win over Verona on Sunday.
The former Barcelona forward, who has had an injury-plagued season, was given an emotional farewell by the crowd in the stadium.
After the emotional Ibrahimovic revealed it was time to quit football, he was serenaded by the Milan fans who held up a large Tifo spelling out ‘Goodbye’.
He was also given a guard of honour by his team-mates as he left the pitch.
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Prior to this, the Italian club had already disclosed they would not be renewing his contract which ends this June.
The striker began his professional career at Malmo FF in 1999 and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001, before playing for top European teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Milan.
Ibrahimović during his playing career was renowned for his acrobatic strikes and volleys, powerful long-range shots, and excellent technique and ball control.
He is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and is one of the most decorated active footballers in the world, having won 34 trophies in his career.
He is also one of eleven players to have made 100 or more appearances for the Swedish national team, over a 20-year international career.
He scored over 570 career goals and won Guldbollen (the Golden Ball), the award given to the Swedish player of the year for a record 12 times.
