Abou Diaby announces retirement aged 32

Former Arsenal and Marseille midfielder Abou Diaby has announced his retirement aged 32. 

The Frenchman was capped 16 times for his country and scored the first goal of World Cup winning manager Didier Deschamps’ reign. Despite his talent, Diaby’s career was blighted by injury, suffering 36 injuries over a 13 year career.

He went to one major tournament with his country; the 2010 World Cup. Diaby started all three group stage matches for Les Blues. 

Diaby featured 180 times under Arsenal Wenger at Arsenal where he was often compared to Gunners legend Patrick Vieira due to his stature and presence in midfield. 

The box to box midfielder hasn’t played since 2017 and has decided to call his time on his footballing career.

Diaby scored 22 goals and recorded 18 assists over 202 professional appearances for Auxerre, Arsenal and Marseille.