AC Milan superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic hangs up his boots at San Siro

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Source: Twitter)

The Star striker of AC Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided to say goodbye to his illustrious football career at the age of 41. At the San Siro of AC Milan, the Swedish superstar said that "the time has come to say goodbye to football." It's worth noting that, his contract is set to expire at the end of June 2023 and he is now not looking to renew it.

An emotional Ibrahimovic was entertained by Milan fans holding up a big Tifo spelling out 'Goodbye,' and also received a guard of honour from his teammates while leaving the pitch. After the full-time, he said, "I have so many memories and lived so many emotions here, the first time I arrived here you gave me happiness. The second time love."

"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 you have given me. I want to thank the managers for the opportunity", he further added.

'Goodbye to football, not you'- Ibrahimovic to fans

Further speaking about the way AC Milan fans backed him he said that it's time to say goodbye to football not you. "But most important of all: from my heart I want to thank you 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 to you. I have too many emotions that are passing through me. See you around, if you're lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye", he said.

Notably, Ibrahimovic's football career was nothing short of courageous and amazing. He has been phenomenal throughout his career and has scored more than five hundred goals for clubs. He has scored 511 goals in 866 club games and 62 goals in 122 national games. Notably, he left the national team after Euro 2016 but returned for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifiers campaign in 2021.