Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Argentine Leandro Paredes over his aggressive behavior in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, before surprising everyone by announcing his retirement as a TV commentator after an experience that lasted just a month and a half.

Speaking on Fox Sports, Ibrahimovic commented on Paredes' aggression towards Eric Garcia and Gavi: "Paredes can be glad there was no player like me on the pitch. If I had been there, I would have headbutted him and got sent off. It was unprofessional behavior from him."

The former Barcelona, Juventus, Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United player did not stop at criticizing the Argentine; he also took aim at the Spanish players for not intervening to protect their teammates at MetLife Stadium, saying: "I don't know what the Spanish players are doing?! They are just watching another player hit their teammate."

In a surprising moment, the 44-year-old Ibrahimovic used the occasion to announce his retirement from TV commentary, bidding farewell to his colleagues in the studio: "I've talked a lot over the past month and a half, but these will be my last words. Alexi (Lalas), Thierry (Henry), and Rebecca (Lowe), thank you."

The Swedish star, who excelled in his new role as a commentator during the World Cup, added: "It has been my pleasure to share this studio with you. I also thank Fox, the United States, and everyone who watched. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my last visit to the studio; for me, this was the first and last time."

Thus, Ibrahimovic draws the curtain on a short but controversial experience in the world of TV commentary, leaving his trademark candor and boldness that characterized his extraordinary football career.