Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba announces retirement.

Ex Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham striker Demba Ba has called time on his 16-year playing career.

He won the Turkish Super Lig title twice in recent seasons, with Beşiktaş’ın 2016/17 and Istanbul Basaksehir in 2019/20.
Ba, who had two spells in China with Shanghai Shenhua and won 22 caps for Senegal, was without a club after leaving Swiss side FC Lugano in August.

“It is with a heart filled with gratefulness that I announce the end of my playing career,” Ba tweeted.

“What a wonderful journey it has been. Beside all the sweat and tears I have faced, football has given me so many beautiful emotions.

“From the passion of the fans and the noise coming from the stands after every goal to the connection with my team mates on and off the field, this will forever remain in my head and heart.”

Ba arrived in the Premier League in 2007, signing for West Ham after joining from TSG Hoffenheim, and the forward went on to score seven times in 13 appearances for the Hammers.