Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played football at an elite level for over 20 years. But now his career is over. The star confirms this in connection with his club Milan's last game of the season.
In the press conference that followed, Ibrahimovic told us that it is a decision that he made over the past ten days – and no one knew about it. Not even his family.
"I wanted everyone to know at the same time," he says.
"Need to take it all in"
Ibrahimovic says the following about the emotions during the evening:
"I've cried a lot and then I looked at my teammates and they were crying. On the screens there were people crying and then I looked to my wife for support and she cried the most of all. Everyone thinks I have no feelings because I'm Superman. And I'm Superman, but with a big heart.
Now a new life awaits Ibrahimovic, life after football.
"I need to be free and take everything in and feel and enjoy life. Be free for the first time for real, and get used to your new life," he says.
What happens next for Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not yet clear.