“I say goodbye to football but not to you,” the Swede told the crowd at San Siro after the last game of the season on Sunday.
In his career, he scored a total of 511 goals and has played for clubs like Paris St-Germain, Manchester United, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. He has also won league titles in four countries.
He returned to AC Milan in 2020 and he helped them win the title last season.
“There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye,” he said, clearly holding back tears.
“The first time I came here you gave me happiness, the second time you gave me love.”
“You welcomed me with open arms, you made me feel at home, I will be a Milanista for the rest of my life.”
He has a total of 34 trophies, which includes 14 league titles. He has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 11 times in his career.
The Swedish player also retires as the all-time scorer for Sweden.
“I used to be scared when journalists asked by about my future, but now I can accept it, I’m ready,” he told reporters.
“I’ve been doing this all my life. Football made me a man. It allowed me to know people I otherwise would never have known. I’ve traveled the world thanks to football. It’s all thanks to football.”