After Sone Aluko declared his retirement, manager Kieran McKenna honored the attacker.
Sone announced the news at the Club’s season-ending dinner on Monday night. Before joining Town in 2021, Sone played for teams including Rangers, Fulham, and Reading, totaling nearly 500 games played in his career.
Sone made 62 appearances and scored four goals in his three seasons at Portman Road. He was a highly appreciated member of the team off the field as well.
“Coaching Sone and getting to know him over the last couple of years has been one of the honors of my profession, I have to say,” Kieran said in a statement following Sone’s retirement announcement.
“Everyone who has watched him play football at Portman Road over the past few years will vouch to his incredible skill. He has exceptional football skill and football intelligence, and I wish I had had the opportunity to coach him a few years ago.
“Apart from being an amazing football player, he’s one of the best individuals I’ve encountered in the game, without a doubt.
It’s common knowledge that a larger group of individuals—more than simply the 11 players that play each week—have been crucial to our success, and Sone has been in the forefront of that.
His selflessness, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence are extraordinary, and we have benefited greatly from the way he has assisted the leaders, staff, and me in managing the group.
“I promise that without Sone and others that always push the group and put others above themselves, we would not have been able to enjoy these celebrations.
We are eager to retain good personnel, therefore we hope Sone will remain with us in one form or another.
