Former Chelsea, Newcastle and Besiktas striker, Demba Ba, has retired from football.

The Senegalese made the announcement on Monday via his official Twitter handle.

He said, “It is with a heart filled with gratefulness that I announce the end of my playing career. What a wonderful journey it has been.

“Besides 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 teammates on and off the field, this will forever remain in my head and heart.

“I want to thank everyone I’ve crossed paths with and helped me grow, every club and manager for giving me an opportunity, the fans for their tremendous support and my family and friends for unconditional love.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Praise be to the almighty.”

The 36-year-old’s highted goal record came at 1899 Hoffenheim where he netted 40 goals.

Ba scored 14 goals in all competitions for Chelsea after joining The Blues from Newcastle where he scored 29 goals.

He left Stamford Bridge for Turkey after one season and netted 28 goals for Besiktas in 2016-17 and 26 goals for Istanbul Basaksehir in 2019-20.

“We have learned that Demba Ba, who played for us in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons and played a part in the Super Lig championship we won in the 2016-17 season, and whose hard work on the field was crowned in the hearts of our fans with his gentlemanly personality off the field, has ended his active football life. We would like to thank Ba for his valuable service to Turkish football and our club and wish him success in his future career,” the 16-time Super Lig kings wrote on Instagram.