Zlatan Ibrahimovic has voiced his criticism towards players who choose to conclude their careers in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of being remembered for their talent rather than their earnings.

The Swedish football legend recently retired from the sport after an illustrious second stint with AC Milan, which culminated in winning the Serie A title. Throughout his remarkable career, the 42-year-old secured league championships with renowned clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSG, and Milan. Despite receiving offers to continue playing elsewhere, Ibrahimovic opted not to step down to a lower level.

Ibrahimovic believes that players who have operated at the highest echelons of the game should ideally wrap up their careers there, as opposed to pursuing moves like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar’s transitions to Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on his own options, Ibrahimovic revealed, “I had offers from China and Saudi Arabia, but it comes down to your aspirations and objectives. Some players must conclude their careers on the grandest stages, which mark the pinnacle of their journey. It’s essential to be remembered for your talent, not just your earnings. Our daily dedication and recognition revolve around our skills, and that’s what we want to be celebrated for.”

He continued, “Hence, I believe that certain players who attain a certain level should conclude their careers on the grand stage. Venturing into a lower tier to wrap up your career doesn’t align with the legacy they’ve built. However, for some players, the financial aspect might be a significant factor, especially if they haven’t earned enough.”

Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo is currently enjoying a prolific season in Saudi Arabia, having netted 10 goals in seven league games for Al-Nassr.