Former Manchester United man and legendary forward Zlatan Ibrahimović has confirmed his retirement from football and after receiving an earful from the Hellas Verona fans at the weekend, he fired back in typically memorable fashion.
Hanging up his boots at the age of 41, the iconic Swedish striker and footballing veteran calls time on a remarkable 24-year career, with 34 trophies, 561 goals and 229 assists to his name for club and country. Yeah, not a bad little player.
Nevertheless, having played for three of Italy’s biggest clubs in Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, returning to last year’s Serie A champions for a second spell back in 2020, Zlatan scored plenty against most teams in the league — the once-again relegated Verona included.
On top of that, Ibra has always been a divisive and antagonistic figure, so regardless of how momentous and emotional an occasion it was, the Verona fans proceeded to boo as Zlatan announced his retirement and delivered his final speech as a pro footballer.
As you can see, the former United, Milan, Barca, PSG; Malmo, Ajax and LA Galaxy striker wasn’t rattled by the jeering whatsoever, firing back by saying: “Keep booing, this is the biggest moment of your year seeing me”.
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Always humble, isn’t he?
After all, this is the same bloke that referred to himself “a lion” for most of his career, left LA by saying “I came, I saw, I conquered“, snubbed Arsenal because he said he “doesn’t do auditions”; said he didn’t get his wife a birthday present “because she already has Zlatan” and announced his arrival in 0161 with a massive poster reading, “Manchester, welcome to Zlatan“.
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His ego might have been unparalleled but at least he had the stats and silverware to back it up. These two clips alone sum up the kind of legacy he’s left behind.
Breaking into tears as he bid farewell to the club where he spent a total of five years across two spells, Zlatan when on to add: “I say goodbye to football but not to you.
“There are too many emotions for me right now… The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love.
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“You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life… From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the fans… Forza Milan and goodbye.”
A young lad is walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza for a truly tear-jerking cause
Danny Jones
We recently came across the story of a young man who has set himself the task of walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza in an effort to raise money for a truly tear-jerking charitable cause.
In case you haven’t heard of him already, the legend responsible behind this is Henry Oscar Moores, a 21-year-old from Macclesfield in Cheshire who is essentially completing a marathon every single day to complete his voyage from rainy 0161 to sunny Spain.
Nearly halfway into his epic trek already, the youngster has been battling plenty of obstacles, not least heavy rain – and that was just here in Greater Manchester…
Going live each day as thousands of followers tune in to support his latest steps, his real-world journey has sparked a wholesome new community online and we’ve got nothing but the utmost respect.
It’s set to take him around 60 days in total, all being well, but what exactly is Henry Moores doing all this for? Or rather who?
Well, the answer is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, as the ‘Henry Walk’ from Manchester to Ibiza is all in aid of the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity set up in honour of the now nine-year-old boy of the same name and the youngest ever Pride of Britain winner.
Hudgell was sadly the victim of horrific child abuse ever since he was a toddler, so much so that he had to have both of his legs amputated as a result of the treatment. In 2020, when he was still just five, Tony set out to raise £500 by walking 10k in his prosthetic legs. He ended up amassing £1.8m. Incredible.
With a non-profit officially registered in his name since 2021, the organisation aims to provide support to children affected by physical, emotional or psychological abuse. His story also helped usher in Tony’s Law. Now taking over the reins, Henry is pounding the pavement on his behalf – and smashing it.
He’s even been given an added incentive by Ibiza’s Ocean Beach owner, Wayne Lineker.
Promising to help Henry finish the walk if he makes it all the way to his final 30k leg in Ibiza Town to the famous club – he’s already polished off the 507km from Manchester to Portsmouth and is currently chipping away at the 1818km stint from Caen in France to Denia – Lineker and the likes of radio DJ Charlie Sloth have been backing the effort since day one.
Describing Tony as an inspirational young figure “who captures hearts with his bravery, optimism, and infectious smile”, even despite his daily struggle and constant treatment, we can’t overstate the admiration we have for both of them. He’s already smashed his initial £20k and just keeps going.
“We really appreciate any donations; we know times are tough. Don’t hesitate if you can’t donate; continue to share and support us in any other way. Thanks to everyone for the past couple of weeks; it’s been insane.” You can do your bit by donating HERE or to Tony Hudgell’s operation fund directly.
Featured Images — Henry Moores (via Instagram)/JustGiving
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‘Get off the pitch and shut up’: Jamie Carragher slates Man United trio for behaviour after 4-0 defeat
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher was left slating André Onana, Mason Mount and Antony dos Santos for their behaviour after the full-time whistle of Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace, telling them to “just get off the pitch and shut up“.
The Liverpool legend and ex-England international was in the studio for Monday Night Football as per and didn’t hold back on his criticism of United all evening, labelling the game an “embarrassment” and even going so far as to call them “one of the most poorly coached teams in the Premier League”.
However, it was the behaviour of the aforementioned Man United trio that particularly riled him up from a former player and pundit’s perspective, who cameras caught deliberating over something in the game and covering their mouths with their hands to prevent any lip-reading as they walked towards the tunnel.
No nonsense and no holding back.
Interjecting as Sky Sports host noted Antony, Mount and Onana discussing something, Carragher couldn’t help but interject: “Just get off the pitch! Talking and whispering behind your hand? You’ve been awful!
“[Antony’s] probably talking about one of the players, or somebody else, or the set-up or the manager—just shut up and get in. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
These three weren’t even the ones to get the biggest stick either, with Carra clearly having it out for Casemiro following his admittedly poor performance, having once again been deployed as a makeshift centre-back due to the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
The 46-year-old added, “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level”, going on to advise from one former pro to another ageing one, “Leave the football before the football leaves you”.
Now 32, despite having arrived as somewhat of a crucial saviour figure in the Man United midfielder last season who can still chip in with the occasional goal too – albeit one prone to reckless challenges and the odd injury – it’s fair to say his performances haven’t been great over recent months.
As for his side, they managed yet another unwanted feat under Erik ten Hag after recording 13 losses with Monday night’s result, the most they’ve ever recorded in a Premier League season; the four finishes also saw them reach a total of 81 goals conceded, the largest tally they’ve ever let in.
The result sees the Red Devils sat in 8th just five points ahead of West Ham, who’ve just sacked former United boss David Moyes for the second time, and minus three on goal difference.
Is it time up for the likes of Casemiro and, more importantly, how much of a chance does ten Hag have of keeping his job?