Football fans around the world have been paying their homage to Swedish Captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who announced his plans to retire from International competition after his side’s European Championship run ends. Ibrahimovic is expected to join Manchester United, next season. 

After 115 games and 62 goals for his country in an international career that spanned over a decade and a half, the legendary Zlatan has decided to hang up his boots after Sweden’s run in Euro 2016. Sweden face Belgium in their penultimate game in Group E.

Sweden vs Moldova

Zlatan is yet to open his goal scoring account at Euro 2016 and hasn’t been his usual match winning self. A draw against the Republic of Ireland and loss to Italy in their first two games leaves Sweden with one point and nothing but a win will do if they’re to stand a chance to progress.

In a press conference in Nice on Tuesday, he announced his intentions to retire from international football. He expressed his pride at captaining his country and thanked his supporters.

“The last game for Sweden at the Euros will be my last game for Sweden. I hope it is not tomorrow. I will not play at the Olympics so I hope we go as far as possible here. Either way, I will not end disappointed. I am very proud to be captain of Sweden. I want to thank all the supporters who have helped me achieve what I have done. Wherever I go I will always bring the Swedish flag with me and be proud of it. I will never be disappointed. Thank you everyone,” he said. [via Guardian]

The 34 year old striker could be heading to Manchester United this summer to top off a career that has seen him play for some of the most illustrious clubs in football history, including Barcelona, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan. The match against Belgium may be his very last in a Swedish jersey.

It didn’t take long for the tributes to pour in, after the announcement was made.

Gary Linekar had his say on the matter,

While everybody else paid homage as well.

And this sums it up perfectly…

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