Retired Nigerian international Sone Aluko ends his football career

Veteran Nigerian footballer Sone Aluko, a former record signing for Reading FC, has formally announced his retirement from professional sports. The 35-year-old winger, who previously played for clubs such as Fulham and Hull City, has left an indelible mark on the football scene.

Aluko played a pivotal role in helping Ipswich Town secure promotion to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. However, his time with the team was short-lived, with only a single appearance in the Championship and only seven matches across all competitions.

In 2017, Aluko made a transfer to Reading FC in a deal that set a club record at the time, amounting to approximately £7.5 million. Unfortunately, he struggled to meet the high expectations that came with his significant price tag. Despite scoring three goals in his first season with the Royals, the team finished in a disappointing 20th place, a sharp contrast to their previous season’s loss in the Championship play-off final.

Throughout his time with Reading, Aluko faced challenges in delivering results, scoring only three more goals over the following three seasons. He later left the club as a free agent and joined Ipswich in 2021, marking the end of his tenure with the Royals.

Despite the highs and lows in Berkshire, Aluko leaves behind a successful career, particularly during his time with Hull City. He achieved promotion to the Premier League in the 2012/13 season and finished as a runner-up in the FA Cup the following year, with a total of 61 goals in 492 appearances. His legacy in professional football will endure, serving as a testament to the realities of the sports world, where success often comes with moments of adversity and perseverance.

As he transitions into retirement, Sone Aluko’s impact on the sport and the teams he represented will become an indelible part of football history, a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.