Newcastle United star’s emotional 7-word message to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic after major career news

Alexander Isak has earnt comparisons to the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic and took to social media to share a message with the football legend after his retirement.
Toby Bryant
By Toby Bryant
Published 6th Jun 2023, 15:32 BST
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Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has sent an emotional seven-word message to Swedish compatriot and footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 41-year-old confirmed his retirement from football following AC Milan's final game of the season at the San Siro on Sunday, a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona which Ibrahimovic sat out of with a calf injury.

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The talisman scored 511 goals over a glittering 24-year career which included 34 major trophies and 11 Ballon d'Or nominations.

While Newcastle United fans will no doubt know Ibrahimovic thanks to his prolific career, the Swede never played at St James' Park and only ever faced the Magpies once in his career.

The striker made a 13-minute cameo when Newcastle were beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford by Manchester United in the 2017/18 Premier League season.

However, Newcastle fans do now have somewhat of their own Ibrahimovic in the squad with Swedish star Alexander Isak often earning comparisons with the star.

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When Isak broke through the ranks at AIK, netting 11 goals in 25 appearances during his debut season in the first team, his colleagues were quick to compare him with the great Ibrahimovic.

Speaking after Isak scored twice in a 3-0 win over Djurgarden, AIK forward Chinedu Obasi said: “Alexander is a great talent.

Alexander Isak sent his hero an emotional thank you (Image: Getty Images)Alexander Isak sent his hero an emotional thank you (Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak sent his hero an emotional thank you (Image: Getty Images)

“I don’t want to say too much, but he is extraordinary. He can become the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

In fact, Isak has even earned praise from the AC Milan legend himself, who said: “I have seen him in action and he is fantastic.”

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After Ibrahimovic retired on Sunday, it was Isak's turn to add his praise to the great and he took to Instagram to thank the striker for his contribution to the squad.

Writing in Swedish along with a crown emoji, Isak said: "Thank you for all you have done for the footballing world."

Speaking at the San Siro on Sunday, Ibrahimovic thanked the AC Milan fans for their support as he struggled to hold back tears.

He said: "I say goodbye to football, but not to you. There are too many emotions for me right now. Forza Milan and goodbye.

"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."

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