Football legend Ibrahimovic retires

AC Milan and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Sunday he had decided to end his football career.

ESPN writes that the 41-year-old's Milan contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed following a season plagued by injuries, prompting him to end a remarkable and successful career.

But Ibrahimovic later revealed in a news conference that no one knew the big announcement he was about to drop.

"Even my family didn't know, because I wanted that when I announced it everyone heard it at the same time," he said.

Ibrahimovic scored 93 goals in 163 appearances over two spells at Milan. He returned in January 2020 and helped Milan win the Serie A title last year -- his second league trophy with the Rossoneri.

The prolific striker, who had 561 goals for club and country over the course of his career, had tears in his eyes on the sidelines as the Milan fans unfurled a giant banner at one end saying "Goodbye" and chanted his name. Ibrahimovic cupped his hands in the shape of a heart and blew kisses to the fans.

There was also a special ceremony dedicated to him after the match, with the Milan players and staff giving him a guard of honour as he walked out onto the field.

"I say goodbye to football, but not to you," he said after being feted by the San Siro crowd following Milan's 3-1 win over Hellas Verona in their season finale.