Former Super Eagles forward Sone Aluko, who recently retired from football, has joined the coaching staff of newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement from the game in May after helping Ipswich Town gain promotion from the Championship.
He will now be part of the first team coaching staff as the club prepares for life in the top flight of English football.
Aluko scored four goals for Ipswich Town in 62 appearances before his retirement. Throughout his career, he also featured for clubs such as Reading, Fulham, Hull, and Scottish side Rangers.
Capped seven times by Nigeria at the senior international level, Aluko also represented Nigeria at U-20 level.
He is fondly remembered for his two goals for the Super Eagles against South Africa in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo in 2014. In that game, Aluko came on as a substitute and scored a brace for the Super Eagles to earn a draw after going 2-0 down to Bafana Bafana.
New chapter for Sone Aluko in the Premier League
“It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first-team coaching staff here at the club,” Aluko told Ipswich's official website.
“Learning from the manager and all the coaching staff here is a fantastic opportunity for me. It is a great time to be at Ipswich, and I’m really looking forward to helping the squad continue to learn and take on the challenge of the Premier League.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna expressed delight with Aluko’s addition to the coaching staff.
“We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team,” McKenna said.
“His work ethic and values have been important for the Club over the last few years, and we know he will continue to bring those qualities to his new role.
“Sone has strong relationships with players and staff at the Club and he will be a big addition for us.”
Aluko was one of the beneficiaries of a bespoke UEFA B coaching course organised by the Professional Footballers' Association last year, which has helped him settle into his new role at the Premier League club.
