Former Chelsea Striker Demba Ba announces retirement

Former Chelsea and Newcastle striker Demba Ba has announced his retirement from football.

Ba also represented West Ham, Besiktas, Shanghai Shenhua and Istanbul Basaksehir in a 16-year senior career. The 36-year-old also picked up 22 caps for Senegal and scored four goals for the nation at senior level.

During his time at Chelsea, Ba famously scored at Anfield after Steven Gerrard slipped — a goal which, in part, cost Liverpool the title in the 2013-14 season.

Ba joined Lugano in Switzerland in June this year but has decided to retire just three months later.

In a post on Twitter, Ba wrote: “It is with a heart filled with gratefulness that I announce the end of my playing career.

“What a wonderful journey it has been. Beside all the sweat and tears I have faced, football has given me so many beautiful emotions. From the passion of the fans and the noise coming from the stands after every goal to the connection with my teammates on and off the field, this will forever remain in my head and heart.

“I wanna thank everyone I’ve crossed paths with and helped me grow, every club and manager for given me an opportunity, the fans for their tremendous support and my family and friends for their unconditional love.

“From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU. Praise be to the almighty.”