Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires at the age of 41, leaving football forever

Ibrahimovic himself did not expect that the time he stepped onto the Dacia Arena pitch and scored against Udinese on March 18 would be his last match for AC Milan and possibly his last in his 24-year football career. The Swedish striker won the penalty in the 45+4 minute, setting a record for the oldest player to score in Serie A, although AC Milan still accepted a 1-3 defeat.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 1.

Ibrahimovic is the oldest player to score in Serie A

Ibrahimovic played 76 minutes against Udinese and then left the field, but his constant injuries did not allow him to return again, not giving him the chance to increase his goal tally past the milestone of 573, including 62 goals for the Swedish team and 511 goals for the clubs he has played for in 988 professional appearances over the past 24 years.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 2.

Ibrahimovic: "AC Milan is always in my heart"

Ibrahimovic's contract with AC Milan is valid until the end of the 2022-2023 season and he hopes the termination clause will be effective as soon as the night of June 4. Having denied that it would be difficult to give up football, the image of Zlatan Ibrahimovic tearfully announcing his retirement from his career has moved the entire sports world. Fans at the San Siro stadium said goodbye to the 41-year-old Swedish striker before the club's final match despite him not being able to play as expected.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 4.

Ibra's tearful farewell day

Referring to the two periods of attachment to AC Milan, Ibrahimovic choked up: "The first time I came, you gave me happiness and the second time, you gave me love. I want to thank my family and those close to me for their patience and acceptance. I want to thank my second family, AC Milan. The players, coaches and staff, and also the directors for the opportunity they gave me. The fans welcomed me with open arms and I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life. It's time to say goodbye to football. Forza Milan!".

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 5.

Ibrahimovic's professional career began at Malmo in his native Sweden in 1999, before moving to Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United and LA Galaxy. He returned to Milan in 2020 and helped the Rossoneri lift the Serie A trophy in 2022, after their first in 11 years.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 6.

Ibrahimovic's farewell moment from football

Ibrahimovic is Sweden's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 122 games. He left the national team in 2016 and only returned after five years. Recent injuries have kept him out of AC Milan's final season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic giải nghệ ở tuổi 41, chia tay mãi mãi bóng đá - Ảnh 7.

Ibrahimovic became a legend during his short time at PSG

Having declared that he was "not a quitter" and vowed to continue playing, Ibrahimovic has now decided to hang up his boots, bringing an end to one of the most impressive playing careers in world football history.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic career

Malmo (1999-2001) - 47 games, 18 goals

Ajax (2001-2004) - 110 games, 48 goals

Juventus (2004-2006) - 92 games, 26 goals

Inter Milan (2006-2009) - 117 games, 66 goals

Barcelona (2009-2010) - 46 games, 22 goals

AC Milan (2010-2012) - 85 games, 56 goals

Paris Saint-Germain (2012-2016) - 180 games, 156 goals

Man United (2016-2018) -53 games, 29 goals

LA Galaxy (2018-2019) - 58 games, 53 goals

AC Milan (2020-2023) - 78 games, 37 goals

Sweden: 122 matches, 62 goals