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Blues Forward Aluko Retires - Ipswich Town News

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.

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