MILAN: Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought to an end his illustrious career as a footballer by announcing his retirement last night.

The veteran striker announced his decision after AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Verona.

“The time has come to say goodbye to football, not just to you.

“Too many emotions for me now. Forza Milan and goodbye,” Ibrahimovic said after the last Serie A action at the San Siro.

The 41-year-old from Sweden was only expected to say goodbye to Milan fans after announcing he would be leaving the seven-time European champions last Saturday.

He returned with Milan in 2019. Before that he helped Milan win Serie A in 2011.

Ibrahimovic helped Milan return to contention in the top flight of the league and won the Scudetto last season.

“The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave love.

“You welcomed my arrival with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista all my life,” he said.

Throughout his career, Ibrahimovic won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, with his lone European trophy being the Europa League win with Manchester United in 2017.