At the age of 27, former Arsenal youth product Emmanuel Frimpong has decided to retire from professional football after an eight-year career in the game.
Frimpong, who made just six appearances under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, spent time at Wolves, Charlton and MK Dons before joining Championship side Barnsley in 2014.
Spells in Russia with UFA and Arsenal Tula followed after failing to make an impact at Oakwell but injuries plagued his career.
He finished his career in the Cypriot First Division side Ermis Aradippou FC before announcing his retirement on Thursday night.
Here’s his statement in full, written on the classic iPhone Notes app, of course:
“It is with great sadness I have decided to retire from professional football. I have had problems with my knee for the last five years or so and have got back to playing at a professional level.
“But since November 2017 I haven’t been in action as I had a tear in my knee ligament. I decided with my own will that I will not opt for the operation since I was not enjoying football playing through pain.
“I would love to thank all the clubs I have represented, Arsenal, Charlton, Barnsley, Fulham, UFA, AFC Eskilstuna and Ermis for the love and support they have given and to the fans who always supported me. Thank you and let’s see what the future holds.
“Spending time with my daughter and family the last year has made me realise I’m blessed.”
RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL THANK YOU ALL GOOD BLESS👍🏿🙌🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/LaIYG6raw1— EMMANUEL FRIMPONG (@IAMFRIMPONG26) March 7, 2019
Frimpong was certainly a character.
He was infamously sent off against Liverpool, scrapped with teammate Samir Nasri in the tunnel and was then loaned out to Wolves shortly after the incident.
“I believe he (Frimpong) has done really well. He is a bit less of a dribbler but he is a fighter and he is a winner.” – Arsene Wenger said after the 2010 Emirates Cup.
Emmanuel Frimpong has announced his retirement from football at age 27.
The former Arsenal player has been battling a knee injury for 5 years which has rendered him inactive for almost a year.
He featured for Ghana’s Black Stars once in 2013 in a game against Sudan.
When a true fan gets the chance to play for the club he loves you get pure passion! Thank you @IAMFRIMPONG26 happy retirement. Stay Dench pic.twitter.com/ELlP3NMPdh— Billy Howe (@Billy_Howe_) March 7, 2019
Nine years later, the 27-year-old has announced his retirement from football.
It was a pleasure playing with you and all the very best with whatever you decide to do in the future ❤️💪🏾👏🏾#Chop🔥— George Elokobi (@georgeelokobi) March 8, 2019
Let us know your favourite memory of Frimpong in the comments.