Zlatan Ibrahimovic fights back tears as he receives a hero's reception from more than 45,000 Sweden fans at incredible homecoming, a year after calling time on his legendary career Ibrahimovic scored 62 goals for the Sweden national team in 122 appearances The 42-year-old called time on his glittering career last June amid knee injuries Click here to follow Mail Sport’s Euro 2024 WhatsApp Channel for all the latest breaking news and updates from Germany By Tum Balogun Published: 11:47, 9 June 2024 | Updated: 12:59, 9 June 2024 e-mail View comments Zlatan Ibrahimovic fought back tears as Sweden fans paid a touching tribute to their nation's greatest-ever player on Saturday night. Jon Dahl Tomasson's side were handily beaten 3-0 by England's opening Euro 2024 opponents at the Friends Arena but that didn't dampen the heartwarming reception for the former striker, who called time on his career last June. After walking out on the pitch through a guard of honour, the 42-year-old took to a podium in the centre circle and was visibly emotional as more than 45,000 fans serenaded their icon.
In a video that appeared on X , Zlatan joked with the crowd and said: 'I see that you have missed me...
even on the field. I’ve missed you, too.' Ibrahimovic was recognised for his contribution to the national team, an international career that spanned 22 years in which he amassed 122 caps and scored 62 goals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic fought back tears before addressing the packed crowd at the Friends.
