Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from football at 41: His notable stats
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from football. The 41-year-old informed the same through a heartfelt speech after AC Milan beat Verona on Sunday. Milan had announced that Ibrahimovic would be leaving the club at the end of an injury-plagued season for the star striker. Ibrahimovic brings an end to an illustrious career that panned out for over two decades.
Why does this story matter?
Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly one of the best footballers of his generation. The Swede has played in various leagues, dominating proceedings and winning several accolades. However, with age, injuries have not been kind to him. He underwent knee surgery in 2022 and even after returning he has suffered problems. Although the fans wanted more from him, Ibrahimovic has bid adieu to professional football.
'Time to say goodbye to football'
An emotional Ibrahimovic left the pitch after he received a guard of honor from his teammates. "The first time we arrived at Milan, you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love. I want to thank you fans. I will be a Milan fan for the whole. It's time to say goodbye to football, not you," he said in his speech.
Ibrahimovic's contract was set to expire
Earlier, it was reported that Ibrahimovic will not extend his stay at AC Milan after his contract expires with the Serie A outfit at the end of June. He endured a tough year marred with injuries but shared plenty of pleasant memories.
Ibrahimovic rejoined AC Milan in 2020
Ibrahimovic rejoined Milan in 2020 on a free transfer after he left MLS outfit LA Galaxy. In the 2019-20 season, he netted 11 goals and provided five assists in all competitions. The following season saw him slam 17 goals along with three assists. In the 2021-22 season, he scored eight times and provided three assists. This season, he could only manage a solitary goal.
His first stint with Milan
Ibrahimovic's first stint with the Rossoneri was back in 2010 when he left Barcelona to join Milan. He remained for two seasons, scoring 56 goals in 85 games. Overall, he has compiled 163 appearances for Milan while scoring 93 goals. Ibrahimovic occupies the 11th spot among Milan's all-time goal-scorers. Gunnar Nordahl leads the charts with 214 goals.
Ibrahimovic finishes with 511 club goals
Ibrahimovic started at Malmo in 1999 (18 goals). For Ajax (2001-2005), he slammed 48 goals (110 games). Juventus came calling in 2004 as he scored 26 goals before adding 66 goals for Inter. Ibra scored 22 times for Barcelona while slamming 156 goals for PSG. He netted 29 and 53 goals for Manchester United and LA Galaxy, respectively. Ibrahimovic compiled 93 goals for Milan.
His records and stats for Sweden
Ibrahimovic represented the Sweden national team in 122 matches from 2001 to 2023. He netted a total of 62 goals in these games, finishing as Sweden's top-scorer. Notably, Ibrahimovic is the only player from Sweden to score in three consecutive UEFA European Championship tournaments (2004, 2008, and 2012). He won the Guldbollen (Swedish Male Footballer of the Year) award 12 times.
Stunning records of Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic finished as the only player to score in the UEFA Champions League with six teams - Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, and PSG. He is one of the few players with over 100 UCL appearances (124). Ibrahimovic remains the only player to score on their Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and UEFA Champions League debut.
Ibrahimovic bagged 33 trophies
Ibrahimovic collected over 30 trophies (33) in a decorated career. He won Eredivisie with Ajax, Serie A with Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, La Liga with Barcelona, and Ligue 1 with PSG. The Swedish legend won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in 2016/17. He has been adjudged the Serie A Footballer of the Year on multiple occasions.
