Zlatan Ibrahimovic on retirement: Close, but no cigar

FT Desk

23 May 2022 12:45 BST
3 min read

Zlatan Ibrahimovic created an iconic image during AC Milan’s Scudetto celebrations on Sunday by smoking a cigar, but will he now retire from football?

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Milan won their first Serie A title in 11 years after beating Sassuolo 3-0, with Olivier Giroud scoring twice and Franck Kessie also finding the net.

This ensured that the Rossoneri toppled the 2020-21 champions Inter to win their 19th Scudetto of their history.

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As always, it was Zlatan who dominated the headlines after the game as he celebrated on the pitch by smoking a cigar.

“It’s wonderful, I was here last time Milan won and 11 years later we win it and I’m here again,” Zlatan said while he was holding his cigar.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The BOSS of BOSSES 😎 pic.twitter.com/n7EGSkzm3Y
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“I arrived here making a promise and I kept it. Many laughed when I said that we’d win the Scudetto again, but we worked hard and showed the team what it means to suffer for your results.

“I dedicate this to [the late agent] Mino Raiola, he was one of those who wanted me at Milan and told me I was the only one who could save Milan. I dedicate this trophy to him.

“[If he was still here he would say] Let’s play another 10 years and steal more money!”

The other big talking point surrounding Zlatan regards his potential retirement.

Now 40, Zlatan has been tipped to retire from the game once this season is over.

Indeed the Swedish star even promised to hang up his boots if Milan won the Scudetto.

Has Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired?

So will he retire now?

“I need to be in good shape, I need to do things. When I feel good, then I’ll see what the situation is. I still feel that I can make the difference when I’m on the pitch. I don’t see another Ibra out there,” he replied.

“I will make a decision over the next few days. I had a really tough time lately, it was bad both physically, but also for other personal matters. At the end of the day, I did everything I could to help Milan win this trophy.

“I was afraid that I might have to quit, but I want to do it my way.”

Zlatan has enjoyed a legendary career, scoring over 500 club goals and winning 14 league titles with the likes of Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Milan and PSG, while he also starred for Malmo, Manchester United and Malmo.