PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finished playing for good.
One of Swedish football’s greatest has thus left a large void behind.
Now SvFF chairman Fredrik Reinfeldt gives his honest words about Zlatan after the resignation.
A week ago came the news that shocked the entire football world when Zlatan Ibrahimovic ended his playing career. Most people had of course guessed that that day would come, but you were still taken to bed when it did come for the 41-year-old.
Zlatan in Blue and Yellow
Sweden’s best soccer player of all time and the top scorer in the national team gave his thanks. An appearance against Belgium in the World Cup qualifying match in March was his very last appearance for Sweden and in total there were 62 goals in 122 international matches in Blue and Yellow.
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In addition, “Ibra” has written unbeatable history by winning a total of 12 Golden Balls during his career, a record that will most likely never be beaten. However, he has to wait for the big thanks from the Swedish people.
READ MORE: The twist: Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new decision after his career – offered the prestigious top job
Reinfeldt pays tribute
The Swedish Football Association, SvFF, with the newly appointed chairman Fredrik Reinfeldt in the lead now confirms that there will be no withdrawal in connection with the upcoming match against New Zealand. Instead, there will be a ceremony later this fall for Ibrahimovic.
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Because there is so much to thank him for, not only the unforgettable goals and fantastic efforts but also the importance he had for Swedish football in general. Reinfeldt wants to highlight that in his personal tribute to the 41-year-old.
– I think that for several generations Zlatan has been a symbol and an inspiration that has made Swedish football known around the world and inspired young people, not least from socially disadvantaged areas, to want to invest in football and dare to see themselves in growing roles in a football team . To believe that it is possible, Zlatan has personified it, says the SvFF chairman in a press release.
– The feeling of daring to believe in yourself, that you can become something, Zlatan has played an enormous role in that for many.
READ MORE: Thierry Henry mocks Zlatan with a real grin – then “Ibra” responds in the best way and silences the icon completely
The former prime minister wants to highlight Zlatan’s important role as a role model in society.
– For me, he also represents the wonderful thing that you can come from different circumstances, you can have parents who were born in another country and grow and become a part of Sweden that the whole people embraces. He has meant a lot there, says Reinfeldt in his statement.
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