Town forward Sone Aluko has hung up his boots at the age of 35, the club has announced.

Aluko joined the Blues in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer after leaving Reading.

The Nigeria international made 33 starts and 29 sub appearances during his three seasons with the Blues, scoring four goals, but made only two starts and five appearances from the bench during 2023/24.

Aluko spent much of the season watching games with the analysts and providing insights to manager Kieran McKenna. It’s expected that Hounslow-born Aluko will stay with the Blues in some capacity.

Speaking at this evening's End-of-Season Dinner, he said: “I couldn't think of a better place to end my career.

“From top to bottom the club is amazing, and it has been a privilege to be here. I've not played as much as I would have liked, but this has still been the best year of my career. All of the lads, I love every one of you, even you, Harry Clarke.”

Having come through the youth system at Birmingham, Aluko spent time on loan at Aberdeen and Blackpool before rejoining the Dons on a permanent basis having made one senior sub appearance for the Midlanders.

A spell with Rangers followed, before moves to Hull and Fulham. He joined Reading in August 2017 and had a spell on loan in China with Beijing Renhe.

Prior to joining Town on a free transfer, the seven-times-capped Nigeria international almost joined Derby County following a trial.

Photo: TWTD

dirtydingusmagee added 20:14 - May 6 Enjoy your retirement Sone
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CookAshtonJohnson added 20:14 - May 6 Thank you for all you have done for the club, Sone. Your performances are the start of McKenna’s reign at such an age were to behold, hope to see you in a analyst/performance role as you have been with the analyst team in the media suite for some games this season. But what a career this man has had!
18

BlueBoots added 20:31 - May 6 Would have loved him to have been at the club a few years earlier; one legacy he's left at the club is the ridiculous way he can spin out with the ball in tight areas...don't think it's a coincidence that Broadhead, Hutchinson and Sarmiento have improved that part of their game this season :^D Hopefully stay on in some capacity!
30

shortmarine1969 added 20:32 - May 6 The very best for the future Sone, loved watching you play you skill level is immense, but age catches us all, clearly a big influence in the squad, would love to see him stay in a fitting capacity. This is maybe the only sad thing about our promotion, some of the players who got us here, will fall foul on Thier own efforts and contributions, sincerely hope they all get great contracts at any club they may end up with

16

ArnieM added 20:45 - May 6 Happy Retirement Sone. When one door closes, another always opens!
7

ArmaghBlue added 20:45 - May 6 Thank you for your service on and off the pitch. Enjoy your retirement
7

churchmans81 added 20:46 - May 6 Retiring on a high having played and winning medals in back to back promotion campaigns resulting in ITFC achieving Premier League status. I’d say that’s ’job done’. Thanks for your service, Sone. You’re an unsung hero, but a hero nonetheless!!
9

TimmyH added 21:00 - May 6 Good player on the ball...what minutes he got this season he looked off the pace. Happy retirement Sone I'm sure you'll find an opening in the football world.
1

baxterbasics added 21:16 - May 6 There were a few games in lg1 where he was the best player on the pitch. Shame age caught up. Thanks for your service, Sone.
4

chepstowblue added 21:54 - May 6 Best wishes to Sone. We obviously signed him a few yrs past his best, but there were still moments of obvious brilliance. The legs had gone a little but the skill and vision remained. Wishing him an extended future in the game in some capacity.
8

Swailsey added 22:05 - May 6 Thanks for everything Sone! Hope you stick around.
7

cat added 22:09 - May 6 Awesome professional and quality with the ball at his feet and he had the knack of creating space whilst in possession, which is a sign of a top player imo. His standout performance for me was Cambridge away when he bagged a brace. Glad to read he might be sticking around the club. Oh Sone Aluko……
7

Foreverdon_Blue added 22:32 - May 6 Thanks Sone for everything and happy retirement! Really hope you stay with us in some capacity.
3

grow_our_own added 22:41 - May 6 A joy to watch. I nicknamed him glue-boots because his first touch and ability to dribble with the ball close to his feet was ridiculously good. That never left him.
2

EricGatesShinpad added 07:25 - May 7 Glue-foot indeed! It was a shame we got him right at the end of his career. Just imagine what McKenna could have done with him a few years earlier. Anyway I hope he stays around... H ehas been around football enough to know when he sees a good thing - an excellent mentor for some of our younger players I reckon .... Cheerio Glue-foot!!
1

exeterblue10 added 10:03 - May 7 Lovely fella and a massive influence on and off the pitch. Wish you all the best Sone and thanks for all you've done for ITFC.
1

WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:37 - May 7 Must keep Sone at the club in some capacity. Too positive a presence to let go completely. Thanks for everything (so far) glue-boots
1

ThatMuhrenCross added 12:36 - May 7 Talk about going out at the top!! Thanks for everything Sone!
1

raycrawfordswig added 13:01 - May 7 Enjoy whatever you decide to do Sony thanks for your time at Town.
1

runningout added 13:30 - May 7 Thank you Sone
1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 16:59 - May 7 Great player in his prime. I hope you stay with the club, Sone! We need people like you.
1

therein61 added 18:03 - May 7 A sad day when the boots are hung up but this guy gave everything in a blue shirt and deserves every comment above with his football brain that was so evident on the park i can see him having a great coaching future Good luck Sone wherever your journey takes you and heartfelt thanks for your performances on the field.
1

Alberto_the_frog added 18:12 - May 7 Thank you and well done. I hope you enjoy whatever the future brings.
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