Saido Berahino has retired from football at the age of 33 to concentrate on his role as a coach with Burundi's national team. He announced the decision in a statement entitled 'A Letter To The Game' posted on Instagram.
Statement on Instagram
In the statement, Berahino wrote: "The time has come to hang up the boots. My body and my heart are ready for the next chapter. I am proud and grateful to now serve the Burundi national team as a coach. Giving back to the country that made me, and helping the next generation, feels right."
Club career
Berahino made his name with West Bromwich Albion and scored 36 goals in 121 appearances in all competition for the club. He joined Stoke City for £12m in January 2017.
After leaving Stoke in August 2019 for Belgium, Berahino played at Waregem and Charleroi before being signed by Darren Moore at Sheffield Wednesday in August 2021. He has since played in Cyprus, India and Slovenia, as well as for Burundi.
England call-ups and thanks
Berahino was twice called up for England's full squad by then manager Roy Hodgson but was not picked to play.
He also wrote: "I want to thank West Bromwich Albion for believing in me when I was a boy."
Berahino added: "Football has given me everything. From the streets of Bujumbura to The Hawthorns, from the Premier League to places I never imagined I'd play - this game carried a young refugee kid through life."