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'Sad day in football history' - Fans emotional as Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires from professional football

Legendary Footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from the game. Here's how fans reacted to the major update.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Source: Twitter)

Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from the game at the age of 41. The striker announced his retirement from the sport to the AC Milan fans after Sunday's game against Hellas Verona. Ibrahimovic sobbed in front of the San Siro fans as he said the squad farewell and finished his amazing career.

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"The first time we arrived at Milan you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love. From my heart I want to thank you fans," he said. "You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home. I will be a Milan fan for the whole It's time to say goodbye to football, not you," he added.

Following the conclusion of the forward's injury-plagued season, Ibrahimovic's departure from Milan was officially announced this week. Even though he promised to return the following season, this marks the end of his playing days. Only four times this season, most recently on 18 March against Udinese, has the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain player appeared on the pitch.

‘But if you're lucky, I'll say, "I'll see you around’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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The enigmatic Swede, who previously played for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, PSG, United, and the LA Galaxy, decided to call it quits after a career filled with honours. He was a professional football player for 24 years, winning league titles in the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy.

The infamous attacker's future remains a mystery. But it's safe to say he won't be going into the dugout anytime soon. Ibrahimovic is renowned for stating when asked about a potential coaching career in 2021: "Impossible. Because during the match I’d slap at least two players and, after the match, eight!"

Ibrahimovic left the team after the 2016 Euros but returned in 2021 for their catastrophic World Cup qualification campaign. He has scored 62 goals in 121 games for Sweden. Ibrahimovic ended his speech in a showy way and with a smile. It's too difficult; I'm currently experiencing a lot of emotions, he stated. But if you're lucky, I'll say, "I'll see you around."

Here’s how fans reacted:

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