Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Sunday that he has decided to end his football career at the age of 41.
The striker’s AC Milan contract expires at the end of June and he has already announced he will not renew it after an injury-plagued season.
But the Swedish legend announced on Sunday that “the time has come to say goodbye to football”.
A clearly emotional Ibrahimovic was serenaded by Milan fans holding a large Tifo spelling out ‘Goodbye’ and then given a guard of honor by his team-mates at his leaving the pitch.
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After the iconic Swedish striker announced his retirement, take a look at Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s greatest Premier League goals!
Speaking on the pitch at full time, Ibrahimovic said: “I have so many memories and lived so many emotions here, when I first arrived here you gave me joy..
“I want to thank my family, everyone close to me, for their patience. I want to thank my second family, the players. I want to thank (AC Milan head coach Stefano) Pioli and his staff for the responsibility that you given to me I would like to thank the managers for the opportunity.
“But most important of all: from my heart I want to thank the fans. You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not for you.
“I have so many emotions going through me. See you, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye”.
The striker began his professional career with Malmo FF in 1999 and left for Ajax Amsterdam in 2001 before embarking on a career that included top European teams including Manchester United, Inter Milan and Milan.
Ibrahimovic arrived at Milan for his second spell at the club in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011, and helped them win the title again last season.
Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 games, left the national team after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaign.
Earlier in the evening Rafael Leao celebrated his second, and Milan’s third, goal of the game by celebrating with the veteran striker on the sidelines. AC Milan beat Hellas Verona 3-1.
Ibrahimovic’s emotional farewell in pictures
Ibrahimovic was visibly in tears as he addressed the fans at the San Siro
Rafael Leao celebrates his second, and Milan’s third, goal in their 3-1 win over Verona on the touchline
Fans spell ‘Goodbye’ with a huge Tifo that takes over the second level of the stadium
Ibrahimovic gave a speech to the fans at the end of the last game of his Milan contract – and career
Ibrahimovic was presented with an AC Milan shirt signed by his teammates at the end of the game
