Ibrahimovic Announces Retirement at 41 After Glorious 24-Year Football Career

Kabir903

On June 5th this year, Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimović officially announced his retirement. Ibrahimović bid farewell to football during a ceremony at AC Milan's last match of the season, stating that it was time to say goodbye to the sport.

Ibrahimović began his professional career in 1999 with Malmö FF and subsequently gained fame with Ajax. He went on to play for clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. In 2020, he returned to AC Milan and ultimately retired there.

Throughout his entire professional career, Ibrahimović made a total of 941 club and national team appearances, contributing 555 goals and 226 assists. At the club level, he played in 819 matches, scoring 493 goals and providing 201 assists. Ibrahimović is one of the few players who have played for all three of the top clubs in Serie A and has had stints in the Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, French, English, and American leagues, with only the Bundesliga eluding him.

On the national team front, Ibrahimović made his debut for the Swedish national team in 2001 and played his last match against Belgium in March 2023. His international career spanned 22 years, with 122 caps, 62 goals, and 25 assists. He was awarded the Swedish Footballer of the Year multiple times between 2007 and 2016 and continued to receive the honor afterward, accumulating a total of 12 awards.

At the age of 41, Ibrahimović has decided to cap his illustrious 24-year professional career. During the farewell ceremony, he emotionally expressed, 'I feel like I can't breathe, but it's okay because this stadium has so many memories and emotions. When I first came to Milan, you gave me joy, and when I came back the second time, you gave me love. '

'I want to thank my family, the people who supported me, and my second family, my teammates. Thanks to the coaches and every staff member here. Thanks to the directors who gave me the chance, and last but not least, I want to thank the fans.'

'You opened your arms to me, making me feel the warmth of home. I will be a Milanese for the rest of my life.'

'It's time to say goodbye to football, but it's not goodbye to you. If luck is on our side, we will meet again. Forza Milan, goodbye!'

Kahn332

Time flies so quickly; in the blink of an eye, Ibrahimović has retired.

Kalkin995

It's still very sentimental, isn't it? This is the ultimate destination for athletes.

Pooja193

A great player, Ibrahimović, I love you.

Nimmi373

Impressive indeed, to keep playing into your 40s; that's considered quite senior in age, isn't it?

gopal

At 41, it's truly not young anymore. Thank you for your dedication to football.

harsh

Ibrahimovic's career has been truly magnificent, he's my idol!