Former Super Eagles midfielder Sone Aluko has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 as his club Ipswich gained promotion to the Premier League.
Aluko's final season wasn't packed with starting appearances, but he's bowing out on a high note – contracted to Ipswich Town as they have gained promotion to the Premier League after 22 years.
While his time with the Tractor Boys was limited to just a single league appearance (a two-minute cameo!), Aluko did see some action in cup competitions, featuring six times in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
This retirement marks the end of a career that began in 2007 with Birmingham City. Aluko's journey took him to various clubs, but a defining moment came in 2013 when he was part of the Hull City squad that clinched promotion to the Premier League.
That success story continued the following year as Aluko was also part of the Hull team that reached the FA Cup final in 2014.
Despite not playing a starring role in his final season, Aluko holds a special place in his heart for Ipswich Town.
Speaking at the club's end-of-season dinner, the forward couldn't hide his emotions: “Honestly, I couldn't imagine a better place to end it all.
“This club, from the top to the bottom, is just amazing. Being here has been a true privilege.” Aluko acknowledged his limited playing time but insisted that this past year was the best of his career.
The camaraderie and the atmosphere at Ipswich clearly left a lasting impression. He toasted his teammates with a final, light-hearted jab.”
“To all the lads, I've grown to love each and every one of you – even you, Harry Clarke.” he said.
Aluko has also played for Aberdeen, Rangers, Blackpool, Birmingham, Fulham, Reading, and Chinese club Beijing Chengfeng.
Aluko’s Super Eagles career
Sone Aluko, after representing England at U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-19 levels, switched allegiance to Nigeria and was soon capped by Nigeria’s U-20 side – the Flying Eagles.
He was part of Samson Siasia’s U-20 side to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, alongside the likes of Odion Igahlo, Obiorah Nwankwo, King Osanga, and Nurudeen Orelesi.
The midfielder, who can also play as a winger, then made his full debut for Nigeria in 2009 in an international friendly against the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw. Aluko in total made seven appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
Though he did not get many caps for the Super Eagles, Nigerian fans will remember him for his brace that saved Nigeria’s blushes in a 2-2 draw against South Africa in the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.
What next for Sone Aluko?
