Zlatan Ibrahimovic introduced the curtain down on an extended, trophy-packed profession on Sunday when he unexpectedly introduced his retirement from soccer.
Veteran striker Ibrahimovic revealed his resolution to stop the sport throughout an on-pitch ceremony following AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Verona.
“It’s the moment to say goodbye to football, not just to you,” stated Ibrahimovic on the San Siro pitch.
“There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye.”
The 41-year-old had been anticipated to easily bid farewell to Milan followers after his departure from the seven-time European champions was introduced on Saturday.
He returned to Milan in late 2019 for a second spell after a earlier two-year interval during which he received the Serie A title in 2011.
Ibrahimovic was a key determine in Milan’s resurgence to the highest of Italian soccer after his return to the membership, serving to to deliver them again from the doldrums and ultimately win the Scudetto final season.
“The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love,” stated Ibrahimovic.
“You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life.”
Over the course of his profession Ibrahimovic received league titles within the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, though his solely main European trophy was the 2017 Europa League with Manchester United.
He has hardly featured for Stefano Pioli’s facet this time period after being plagued with accidents, returning in February following surgical procedure on his left knee in May.
In July he signed a deal which netted him round a million euros ($1.02 million) in mounted wage, with giant bonuses linked to appearances and achievements.
But the 41-year-old solely began one match and netted as soon as for Milan this season, a 3-1 win at Udinese in March during which he grew to become the oldest aim scorer in Serie A historical past.
He then picked up a calf damage in a pre-match heat up in April and ended his profession sidelined earlier than scotching rumours that he was set to maneuver to Monza and concentrating on Euro 2024 with Sweden.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
