Ibrahimovic on retirement, ego’s pull and Milan’s offer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently opened up about his retirement from professional football, citing a desire for a better family life despite his ego's resistance to stepping away.

Chirag

May 2, 2024

Ibrahimovic On His Career — Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared insights into his retirement decision, ego management, and his new role as an advisor at Milan.

After wrapping up a remarkable 24-year playing career, which boasted numerous prestigious titles including five Scudetti, four Ligue 1 triumphs, an Europa League victory, and a Club World Cup, the former Sweden striker decided to step away from the pitch at the end of last season.

However, Ibrahimovic quickly found himself drawn back into the football world, transitioning to a role as an advisor for Milan’s owners, RedBird. This move came after just a few months of retirement, as he actively contributed to shaping the direction of the club’s endeavors in Lombardy. Notably, he has been involved in the search for a suitable successor to Stefano Pioli.

Speaking on the ABTalks podcast hosted by Anas Bukhash, Ibrahimovic reflected on his post-retirement life, emphasizing the adjustments he’s made.

Acknowledging the challenge of letting go of his playing days, he attributed his decision to a desire for a better quality of life for his family. Despite his enduring self-confidence, which he humorously reiterated, he recognized the need for a change due to physical limitations, particularly concerning his knee health.

Transitioning to his advisory role at Milan, Ibrahimovic expressed gratitude for the opportunity presented by Gerry Cardinale, the head of the RedBird fund that acquired the club. He described the offer as irresistible and has since enjoyed his time contributing to the club’s operations.

Finally, Ibrahimovic fondly remembered his late agent, Mino Raiola, whose passing deeply affected him. He expressed ongoing grief over the loss, highlighting the profound bond they shared and the lasting impact Raiola had on his life and career.