• Source:JND
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JE Sports Desk:  The career of the legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally came to an end as he announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect.

Things got a bit emotional after the veteran made an official decision in a teary farewell speech at the San Siro after AC Milan's 3-1 home victory against Hellas Verona.

"It's the moment to say goodbye to football, not just to you," said Ibrahimovic on the San Siro pitch.

"There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye."

 

The Sweden international was expected to bid farewell to Milan fans after his departure from the Italian club was announced on Saturday.

In his long and legendary 24-year football career he played for prominent clubs like Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Manchester United, and LA Galaxy, winning the league titles in Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy.

The 41-year-old returned to Milan for his second term with the Italian giants in 2019 after a previous two-year period in which he lifted the Serie A title in 2011.

He played a vital role in Milan's revival as a top and tough side in the Italian league, helping them back from the rough patch and eventually clinch the Scudetto last season.

"The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love, said Ibrahimovic thanking the Milan fans.

"You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life."

Zlatan's only European success came in 2017 when he lifted the Europa League trophy with Manchester United.

He was very unlucky not to feature for Milan much under Stefano Pioli due to injuries after returning in February following his knee surgery in May.

He only managed to have a one start this season and scored only one goal for Milan which came in a 3-1 win at Udinese in March. He became the oldest player to score a goal in Serie A history.

Ibrahimovic is Sweden's all-time top goal scorer with 62 goals to his name in 121 matches for his national team. He quit international football after Euro 2016 but only to return in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign.

It was also rumored earlier this season that he was set for a move to Monza and targeting Eruro 2024 with Sweden.