GOTEBORG, Dec 13 (SW) – Former Sweden international midfielder Hakan Mild has put an end to his playing career with IFK Goteborg, following 18 years and an amazing 459 games at the club.

The 34-year-old club hero could have wished for a better score line, as his side ended up losing their Royal League encounter against Norwegian outfit Lyn 3-1 on Sunday, but the midfielder could certainly not have wished for a better sending-off, as thousands of Goteborg fans bid him an emotional farewell with a standing ovation.

The Goteborg veteran, who was capped an impressive 74 times for Sweden, will now move upstairs at the Gamla Ullevi and become the club’s new sporting director.