Marouane Chamakh announces retirement at the age of 35

Former Arsenal and Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh has called time on his career after being without a club since 2016. 

The Moroccan international had been out of contract following his departure from Cardiff almost two and a half years ago. The 35-year-old enjoyed six years in England after arriving at Arsenal in 2010 from Bordeaux, where he begun his professional career.

The French-born forward was once one of Europe’s most highly rated strikers following a purple patch at Bordeaux. Chamakh spent eight years with the French side scoring 56 goals in 230 league appearances winning won one Ligue 1 title and two French League Cups.

On Sunday, Marouane Chamakh confirmed his retirement speaking on ‘beIN Sports’:

“It’s been two years since I really quit football. It was intentional. Officially, I did not say that I was retiring.

I am not into social networks. I really wanted to quit football and get closer to my family. Today, I can say that I really retired from football.”

In a three-year spell at Arsenal, Chamakh endured a tough time at the Emirates but still went on to make 40 appearances, netting eight goals in that period. He then had spells at West Ham, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.

On the international scene, Chamakh represented France’s Under-19s before switching allegiance to his parents place of birth, Morocco in 2003. A year later, he helped Morocco finish as runners-up at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward went on to make 65 appearances for the African nation, scoring 18 goals.