Ibrahimovic announces his retirement from football

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.

The legendary striker revealed he will end his career after AC Milan's 3-1 final day victory against Hellas Verona.

After an injury-plagued season, the Swede could not bow out on the pitch. 

But he was given an incredible farewell by the San Siro crowd, club officials and his team-mates after the final whistle. 

He said: "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 and 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 gave me. 

"Last but not least, from 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."

Zlatan returned to Milan for a second spell in January 2020, scoring 93 goals in 163 appearances overall and winning two Serie A titles. 

He scored an incredible 511 career goals and won league titles in three other countries — Spain with Barcelona, France at Paris Saint-Germain and in the Netherlands with Ajax. 

Ibrahimovic also remains Sweden's all-time top scorer with 62 goals from 121 caps.