Zlatan Ibrahimovic Announces Retirement from Football at Emotional Press Conference

MILAN/STOCKHOLM. Zlatan Ibrahimovic ends his football career.

He announced this at a press conference.

– From tomorrow I am a free man, he says.

Recently it became clear that Zlatan had done his part in Milan.

The end of the season against Hellas Verona would thus put an end to the Swede’s career in the red and black shirt.

Just before kick-off, beautiful scenes unfolded, when a tearful Zlatan received the fans’ applause from his position in the stands.

Said “goodbye” to football

After the match, the tributes to the Swede continued with a thank-you ceremony.

When the 41-year-old stepped onto the pitch, he was greeted by powerful applause from the crowd inside the San Siro, who also broke into song to pay tribute to him.

Several of his teammates, led by Sandro Tonali, had difficulty holding back tears when Zlatan grabbed the mic – to give an emotional acceptance speech. The message he gave set off a lot of speculation about whether the Swede had done his part on the football field.

– It is time to say goodbye to football, but not to you, he said cryptically.

“Today, God is also sad”

Later in the evening, Zlatan held a press conference – where he definitely announced that his career is now over.

– I also want to thank you (the journalists) for your patience. From tomorrow you will have less to do, less good and bad to write about. From tomorrow I am a free man, says the Swede.

He had kept the decision a secret – even from his Helena and the children.

– Not even my family knew about it, he says.

Speaking of the rain that fell on Sunday morning in Milan, Zlatan couldn’t help but be Zlatan:

– Today, God is also sad.

He continues to tell what football and Milan have meant to him.

– Through football I have met people and traveled all over the world, it’s all thanks to football. So much emotion. Milan has given me first joy, then love. I have felt at home here since the first day.

Now a new existence awaits him that will be above him.

– I won’t have the same adrenaline, I won’t have a program to follow, won’t eat with the players. It will be a different world now, but I am ready, says Ibrahimovic.

Incomparable title collection

Zlatan broke through at Malmö FF, before being sold to Ajax in 2001 for a record fee. It was the start of a career abroad that few players in football history can match.

During his years abroad, he represented Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, ​​Milan, Paris SG, Manchester United and LA Galaxy – before returning to Milan in 2019.

In Milan, his result was 93 goals and 35 assists in 163 competitive matches.

In total, Zlatan has won 12 Ballon d’Or and a whopping 31 international titles. In addition, he has scored 62 goals in the Swedish A national team – which is the most of all time.

ZLATAN’S SPEECH AT SAN SIRO – WORD FOR WORD

“I’m having trouble breathing, but that’s okay. I have so many memories and so many feelings from here. The first time I came to Milan you gave me joy. The second time you gave me love.

I want to thank my family and everyone who has supported me. I want to thank my second family: the players. I want to thank the coach and his staff for all your trust in me. I want to thank the management for this opportunity. But above all, I want to thank you, the supporters.

You welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. I will be a Milanista for life. The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not to you. If you’re lucky, we’ll see you again. Forza Milan and goodbye.”

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