ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC stunned fans with one last piece of trademark arrogance after announcing his retirement from professional football.
The 41-year-old revealed he was hanging up his boots following AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Verona on Sunday.
In a touching speech, 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. 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, 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.
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“It’s too difficult, there are too many emotions. I’ll see you around if you are lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye.”
Following his emotional farewell, Ibrahimovic then immediately snapped back into his brash persona to address the travelling Verona fans – who had booed him.
He said: “Keep booing. This is the biggest moment in your year seeing me.”
The striker burst onto the scene with Swedish side Malmo in 1999 and scored three goals in eight appearances before sealing a move to Ajax.
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He spent three years with the Eredivisie giants before joining Juventus in 2004.
Ibrahimovic also enjoyed spells with Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy and AC Milan throughout his illustrious career.
The Sweden Legend is not only admired for his goalscoring prowess, but also his iconic comments.
Arsenal had attempted to sign Ibrahimovic from Malmo before he eventually moved to Ajax in 2001.
However, Arsene Wenger wanted him to trial before they considered any offers.
The striker subsequently refused to join the north London side.
When speaking about the situation to Sky Italia, he said: “I went to London for an appointment with Wenger, who asked me to audition for the Gunners. I told him ‘I will not do a trial: either you take me or not, I’m not here to waste time’.
“I already had that kind of trust, because in my mind I was the strongest of all even when I was young. I met Wenger because I expected him to tell me to start with them right away. But Ibra does not test.”
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Ibrahimovic also once described himself as a “Ferrari” when speaking about his one-year spell at Barcelona.
He said: “When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari. If you drive a Ferrari you put premium petrol in the tank, you hit the motorway and you step on the gas. [Pep] Guardiola filled up with diesel and took a spin in the countryside. He should have bought a Fiat.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
