Peterborough United hero retires from professional football

The 34 year-old centre-back was a star of two Posh promotions from League One in 2008-09 and 2010-11 during a London Road career which encompassed 253 games and nine goals in two spells.

Posh signed him for a six-figure fee from Fulham in September, 2008. He left Posh for Greek football in 2014 before returning later that same year.

Zakuani then moved on a free transfer to Northampton Town in June 2016 and also went on to play for Gillingham, Swindon and Dagenham & Redbridge. The tough-tackling, hard-hitting DR Congo international had started his career in England with Leyton Orient, making his debut for the Londoners at the age of 16. Fulham paid Orient £1 million for his services in July, 2006.

Zakuani also helped Stoke City to promotion to the Premier League during a loan spell at the club.

He made 506 senior appearances in total, scoring 16 goals.

“The time is now right to call it a day,” Zakuani said. “I’ve achieved what I set out achieve by winning promotions and playing regular international football.

“I’ve given everything and left it all on the pitch. I believe I improved as a player and I thank everyone who supported me, booed me, bought a shirt off me and helped my career.

“I’m only 34, but I started playing professionally so it’s been a long career.”

Zakuani now plans to work in coaching and the media. He made his BBC Radio Cambridgeshire commentary debut at a Posh match earlier this season.