Zlatan Ibrahimovic Retires From Soccer Aged 41

Iconic soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired from playing at the age of 41.

The Swedish striker played just four matches this season due to a combination of calf, hamstring and knee injuries.

Ibrahimovic had already announced that he would not be signing a new contract at AC Milan.

But he waited until after Milan's final game of the season to reveal that he would not be signing a playing deal elsewhere either.

Speaking to fans at Milan's San Siro stadium on Sunday night, Ibrahimovic said: "I say goodbye to football but not to you."

Milan had already planned multiple tributes for Ibrahimovic on account of him leaving the club.

One saw fans at the San Siro hold up red, black and white paper to spell out the message: "GODBYE".

Zlatan Ibrahimovic pictured blowing kisses to AC Milan fans at the club's San Siro stadium after announcing his retirement from soccer at the age of 41

IMAGO/Marco Canoniero

Ibrahimovic scored more than 500 goals during his club career, which saw him play for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and LA Galaxy, as well as two spells with AC Milan.

He is Sweden's all-time leading scorer, having netted 62 times in 122 senior international appearances.

Ibrahimovic was nominated for the Ballon d'Or on 11 occasions and finished fourth in the 2013 vote.

He won 34 team trophies between 2002 and 2022.