A football legend says "Ciao": Zlatan Ibrahimovic ends his long career emotionally. Ex-teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger also gets in touch.
Milan – "Forza Milan – e arrivederci": With these words and tears in his eyes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said goodbye to the big football stage. "The time has come to say ciao to football," said the 41-year-old as he bid farewell at the packed Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan.
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | |
|---|---|
| Born: | 3 October 1981 (age 41), Malmö, Sweden |
| Teams: | Malmö FF, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris St. Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy |
| International matches (and goals) | 121 (62) |
| Size: | 1.95 meters |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ends his career
As a result, the fans chanted his name again and again and celebrated the striker legend with a "Godbye" choreography.
Sweden's all-time top scorer had previously "not told anyone" about his decision. As part of his last game under contract with AC Milan, which he missed due to injury, he then dropped the bombshell. Persistent knee problems and surgery had set him back again and again in recent years.
Two big faces of European football: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) and Bastian Schweinsteiger. © dpa/Kalaene/Calanni
One of the biggest resigns: Zlatan Ibrahimovic announces retirement
Ibrahimovic will remain "Milanista" for the rest of his life, he announced. Fan of the club that probably meant the most to him in the end - and which he led to the first league title in ten years with 2022 goals in 15 after his return.
The exceptional footballer with a penchant for (mostly joking) self-glorification scored 496 goals in 827 games for world clubs such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, FC Barcelona, Paris St. Germain and Manchester United. When someone like Ibrahimovic leaves, it logically creates a huge echo in the football world.
Bastian Schweinsteiger reacts to Ibrahimovic retirement
Among many others, Bastian Schweinsteiger also spoke out at the end of his former teammate's career. On social media, he paid homage to "Ibra": "Hej då, legend! What a career, what a player. Your vision on the pitch was outstanding." He described Ibrahimovic as "one of the three best players I've played with".
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The two got along well during their time together with the Red Devils and then met in the US MLS. Ibrahimovic played for LA Galaxy, Schweinsteiger for Chicago Fire. "Your style of play was not only unique, but also enormously successful," the German world champion continued.
People know each other: Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in MLS times. © IMAGO/Kirby Lee
Ibrahimovic retirement: Schweinsteiger takes another swipe at the legend
Enormously successful – that's actually an understatement. Twelve times and in four different leagues, "Zlatan" became champion. Only one flaw remains in his great career: he lacks winning the Champions League. Schweinsteiger also drew his attention to this again – he couldn't resist a nasty saying at the end of his hymn of praise.
"PS: If only you had played for FC Bayern at some point ... Then you would have won the Champions League once," teased the Munich icon. Zlatan's reaction is still pending. (epp)
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