A former Arsenal star has retired at the age of 33, launching a thinly-veiled jab to those who didn't support him throughout the course of his professional footballing career

Former Arsenal talent Chuks Aneke has announced his retirement from football at just 33. The Newham-born striker broke through the youth academy of the Gunners in 2010, although his time with the first-team was far from plain sailing.

Aneke failed to make a single appearance for Arsenal, instead, he was loaned out to clubs like Stevenage, Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra, before being released in 2014 when his contract expired. From there, he joined Zulte Waregem in Belgium, returning to English soil two years later as he made his way to MK Dons.

Having enjoyed two stints with Charlton Athletic, and represented Birmingham City, Aneke signed for Shrewsbury Town last summer. Having scored just one goal in 15 appearances for Salop, he has now announced his retirement from the beautiful game.

In a statement shared on social media, Aneke said: "I’d like to officially announce my retirement from professional football. Also like to express my gratitude to all the coaches all the staff, my teachers, my friends and my family and the fans, the ones who supported me and the ones who’s didn’t.

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"It was all part of an amazing journey and I wouldn’t change it. Looking forward to the second-half. God bless."

A number of Aneke's former teams and team-mates were quick to wish the marksman well in his retirement, with Crewe writing: "What a career, Chuks. All the best for everything you have planned."

Chuba Akpom, meanwhile, said: "An inspiration from early," while Sheyi Omatayo added: "One of the best to do it," and Miles Leaburn wrote: "What a guy man. Good luck in the next chapter."

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Shrewsbury Town also commented: "Congratulations on a fantastic career, Chuks. All the best for what’s next!"

However, Aneke will not be going too far as he steps into the world of scouting and recruitment analysis with the Shrews.

As per BBC Shropshire, Aneke started the role back in January, with the broadcaster claiming that Michael Appleton had praised his talent for spotting promising players.

Shrewsbury also confirmed in a statement that month that Aneke had stepped away from his playing duties. It read: "Shrewsbury Town can confirm that Chuks Aneke has stepped away from his playing duties at the club.

"The striker joined Salop in September and made a total of 15 appearances in blue and amber, scoring once.

"Chuks has made the decision to step away from his playing role with the club by mutual consent. We wish Chuks every success in his new endeavours."