Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 41-year-old made the decision following AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Verona on Sunday, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.
In a poignant and emotional speech, Ibrahimovic expressed his gratitude to the fans, his family, and everyone who had been a part of his journey. He reminisced about the memories and emotions that the stadium held for him, acknowledging the support and love he received from the fans during his time with the club.
Addressing the crowd, Ibrahimovic stated, “So many memories and emotions inside this stadium. The first time I arrived, you gave me happiness, the second time, you gave me love. I want to thank my family and those close to me for their patience. I want to thank my second family – the players, the coach, and his staff for the responsibility they gave me. I want to thank the directors for the opportunity they provided. Last but not least, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you, the fans. You welcomed me with open arms, and I will be a Milanista my entire life. It’s time to say goodbye to football, but not to you. It’s too difficult, there are too many emotions. I’ll see you around if you are lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye.”
The retirement ceremony was filled with sentiment, but true to his character, Ibrahimovic couldn’t resist indulging in his signature arrogance when confronted by the traveling Verona fans who booed him. He responded defiantly, saying, “Keep booing. This is the biggest moment in your year seeing me.”
During his time at Manchester United, Ibrahimovic made an immediate impact and quickly became a fan favorite. In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the club recruited high-profile players such as Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. However, none garnered as much attention and discussion among the media and fans as Ibrahimovic.
The Red Devils rewarded the former Paris Saint-Germain striker with a hefty salary of £250,000 per week, and Ibrahimovic confidently declared, “I am here to win the title. The clubs that have Ibrahimovic must win glory.”
The 2016/17 season demonstrated that Manchester United made the right decision in bringing Ibrahimovic to the club. The Swedish striker’s performance proved that his statements were not merely for attention. He featured in 46 matches and scored 28 goals, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Manchester United clinched three titles that season: the English Super Cup, the English League Cup, and the Europa League.
One of Ibrahimovic’s standout moments came in the English Super Cup final against Leicester City when his spectacular header in the 83rd minute secured a 2-1 victory for Manchester United. He continued his heroics in the League Cup final, scoring a decisive header in the 87th minute to secure a thrilling 3-2 triumph for the Red Devils.
Ibrahimovic’s impact on Manchester United surpassed expectations. Manager Jose Mourinho lauded his extraordinary abilities, describing his footballing prowess at an advanced age as exceptional. During that time, the team faced challenges with an aging Wayne Rooney, a young and inexperienced Marcus Rashford, an inconsistent Paul Pogba, and other squad members who often caused headaches for Mourinho.
Ibrahimovic brought leadership qualities and a shining presence to the team. Former center-back Rio Ferdinand commented on BT Sport, saying, “Ibrahimovic has leadership qualities. It feels like when Ibra steps onto the field, he will shine. This is the type of player Manchester United lacked in the post-Sir Alex era.”
As Zlatan Ibrahimovic bids farewell to professional football, his legacy remains intact. His time at Manchester United will always be remembered for his skill, leadership, and his undeniable ability to captivate the fans and the media. Despite his brash and confident demeanor, Ibrahimovic’s impact on the game is undeniable, and his departure marks the end of an era for both the player and the club.
