Praised striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the end of his career in sight
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confessed to seeing the end of his playing career after being voted Swedish footballer of the year for 2010.
It came as no surprise that Ibrahimovic was the one to receive the Golden Ball. The winner of the award, given to the best Swedish footballer at the end of the domestic season, was announced on Monday 15 November.
The striker, who has represented Malmo FF, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and now Milan during his career, is unrivaled in Swedish football and captain of the country's national team.
Speaking to Swedish daily Sportbladet after winning the prize for the fifth consecutive season, Ibrahimovic said he was proud of the achievement after his humble beginnings as a player.
"Not many people would have thought this when I began playing football," the 29-year-old said. "It wasn't easy breaking into the Malmo team out of nowhere. No one scouted me, I went to the practice alone to participate."
The towering player, who has scored nine goals in 15 appearances for Milan since joining from Barcelona this summer, said his current four-year deal could be the last contract of his career.
"I will quit the day I don't win the Golden Ball. I continue to fight. I will not continue when I feel I'm no longer developing. I think this four-year contract represents the last four years of my career."
Rested for Sweden friendly
After scoring the winning goal against Inter Milan in the San Siro derby on Sunday 14 November, the Swede admitted to being in need of rest.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren spoke with his influential captain before deciding to rest him for the country's friendly against Germany on Wednesday 17 November.
"Erik and I had a discussion and he decided that I shouldn't play. I have felt worn out during the last games [with Milan]."
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