Ibra has decided to retire from football.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic unexpectedly announced his retirement from football on Sunday, bringing an end to a lengthy, trophy-filled career.

Following AC Milan's 3-1 victory over Verona, which ended their Serie A season, veteran striker Ibrahimovic announced his decision to retire from the game during an on-field ceremony.

On the San Siro field, Ibrahimovic said, "It's time to say goodbye to football, not just to you."

"I'm experiencing way too many emotions right now. Thank you, Milan, and good bye.

Following the Saturday announcement of his departure from the seven-time European champions, the 41-year-old was anticipated to merely say goodbye to Milan supporters.

He spent a previous two-year period in Milan during which he won the Serie A championship in 2011, before returning there for a second stint in late 2019.

Ibrahimovic said, "The first time I came here, you gave me happiness; the second time, you gave me love."

"You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, and I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life."

Following his return to the team, Ibrahimovic played a pivotal role in Milan's ascent to the top of Italian football. He helped the team emerge from adversity to eventually win the Scudetto last season.

Ibrahimovic told reporters after his announcement, "I used to be scared when journalists asked me about my future, but now I can accept it, I'm ready.

"I've been doing this my entire life; football helped me grow into a man. Football has taken me around the world and introduced me to people I never would have met otherwise. Football is entirely to blame.

Ibrahimovic won league championships throughout his career in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and France, but his only significant European trophy was the 2017 Europa League with Manchester United.

It was fitting that he made his announcement at the San Siro because, prior to a difficult period at Barcelona, he also won three consecutive league championships with Inter Milan from 2006 to 2009.

After a season in which he has played very little for Stefano Pioli's team due to injuries, returning in February after having surgery on his left knee in May, he has announced his retirement.

He signed a contract in July that included a fixed salary of about one million euros ($1.02 million) and sizable bonuses based on performance and appearance.

However, following the signing of that contract, the 41-year-old only started one game and scored once for Milan, a 3-1 victory over Udinese in March, making him the oldest Serie A goal scorer in history.

He later sustained a calf injury during a pre-game warm-up in April, ending his career on the sidelines and putting an end to rumors that he was about to move to Monza and join Sweden for the 2024 European Championship.