Superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has ended his career. “The moment has come to say ciao to football,” announced the 41-year-old Swede on Sunday (June 4th, 2023) in Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, visibly touched over the stadium microphone.
The striker was bid farewell to his last club AC Milan in a small ceremony following a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona in the final Serie A matchday. Many teammates on the pitch and countless fans in the stands were crying or had tears in their eyes.
“Last Day as a Professional Footballer”
The Swede, who could not play injured, was celebrated by the Milan fans before kick-off: They showed a choreography with the words “Godbye” – a play on words for Goodbye. He was also received with “Ibrahimovic, Ibrahimovic” chants. The cult player reacted visibly moved and thanked the fans by making a heart with his hands in their direction. In his short speech he later said: “I will remain a Milanista for the rest of my life.”
Shortly before, there had been media reports that Ibrahimovic was being courted by the Italian first division club AC Monza. The Scandinavian had recently left open whether and where he would continue his career. Late on Sunday evening, however, he made it clear: “Today was my last day as a professional footballer.”
Long absence due to knee surgery
Due to various injuries, Ibrahimovic has only appeared in four league games this season, including three as a substitute, and scored just one goal. After a long absence due to knee surgery in 2022, the veteran struggled first with a thigh injury and most recently with a calf injury. After returning to Milan in January 2020, he was instrumental in Milan’s upward trend, which was crowned with the league title last season.
A career at top clubs
During his career, Ibrahimovic played for the top European clubs Juventus Turin, FC Barcelona, Paris St. Germain, Manchester United and Milan’s city rivals Inter Milan. Last season, Sweden’s 122-time national player became Italian champion with Milan. Overall, he won Serie A five times and was voted Italy’s footballer of the year three times.