Footage of Zlatan Ibrahimovic bidding a tearful farewell to both AC Milan, and football as a whole, has come to the fore late on Sunday evening.
This comes after the Swedish icon announced his decision to bring an end to what has proven one of the most remarkable careers in recent history.
The veteran hitman, now 41, has of course enjoyed spells with a whole host of European football’s biggest clubs, from Juventus to Manchester United to Barcelona and Milan.
After enduring something of a nightmare campaign this time out owing to injury, however, ‘Ibra’ has evidently come to the conclusion that his body is no longer fit to endure the rigours of the professional game.
A full 24 years on from his senior bow with Malmo, the 121-time capped international, as a result, tonight officially hung up his boots.
🚨 BREAKING: Zlatan Ibrahimović has now decided to retire from professional football with immediate effect.
Incredible player, incredible icon. 🦁👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/UwtqwsyUcZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2023
The aftermath of AC Milan’s final day Serie A meeting with Hellas Verona, in turn, proved a predictably emotional scene.
Check out footage of the touching events, including Ibra’s farewell speech, below:
Tears in everyone’s eyes.
Zlatan is immense,
𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐙 ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/ZiCwzdWTZB
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) June 4, 2023
Zlatan Ibrahimović:
“The time has arrived to say goodbye”.
We will miss you, forever and 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐙❤️🖤
Good luck in retirement 👏 pic.twitter.com/vF0w3kCKU9
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) June 4, 2023
