Zlatan Ibrahimovic announces retirement

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s words.

After Milan-Verona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic took the field one last time at the San Siro and announced his retirement: “The time has come to say goodbye to soccer, but not to Milan. You have welcomed me with open arms and I will be a Milanista for life.”

“I can’t breathe, but that’s okay. I have so many memories and emotions inside this stadium,” the words of the Swede, who paraded on a red carpet among all his teammates. “The first time I am at Milan you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love. I thank my family for their patience, then the second family that is the players and the coach with his staff. Thanks also to the managers for the opportunity you gave me. I also thank from the heart you fans who have welcomed me with open arms. I will be a milanista for life.”

For Ibra, his career, barring second thoughts, ends with 988 games and 573 goals in all competitions as a professional.