The 42-year-old Swede retired from professional football in June while at AC Milan, capping off a successful career filled with numerous trophies.
The former striker for clubs like Manchester United and Paris St-Germain disclosed that he had received offers from both China and Saudi Arabia.
He expressed his belief that players who have achieved a certain level of success should conclude their careers on the grandest stage of the sport.
Several high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, and England’s Jordan Henderson, have made moves to Saudi Arabia over the past year.
The Saudi Pro League has undergone significant expansion since the beginning of 2023, with four major clubs – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr – being acquired by the state’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Newcastle United.
After stints at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2018 following his time at Manchester United. He then returned for a second spell with AC Milan, helping them secure the title in the 2021-22 season.
In his final season, he made only four appearances and started just one match, scoring a single goal due to a series of injuries.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, he revealed that he had received offers from China and Saudi Arabia but emphasized the importance of being remembered for one’s talent rather than earnings.
He acknowledged that some players opt for lucrative opportunities because they may not have earned enough during their careers.
Saudi Arabia’s increasing investment in sports has sparked controversy due to the country’s poor human rights record, including issues related to women’s rights, the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, and the use of the death penalty.
Jordan Henderson, known for his support of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Liverpool, faced criticism when he unexpectedly moved to Al-Ettifaq under Steven Gerrard’s management.
Henderson later expressed that the criticism, including disapproval from some LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, deeply affected him and clarified that money was not his motivation.
Ibrahimovic stated that moral concerns about playing in Saudi Arabia would not trouble him, emphasizing that football is a universal connector and a shared dream.
He emphasized that professional athletes make choices for themselves and their families, and judgment should not be passed based on financial decisions in the long term.
