Kieran McKenna, manager of the Blues, expressed his gratitude towards retiring forward Sone Aluko during the End-of-Season Dinner on Monday night. Aluko, 35, revealed his decision to retire from professional football after three years with the club. Despite his limited playing time in the 2023/24 season, McKenna commended Aluko’s contribution to the team, both as a player and as a person.

McKenna highlighted Aluko’s exceptional footballing skills and regretted not having the opportunity to coach him earlier in his career. He praised Aluko’s performances on the pitch, particularly recalling memorable moments like the FA Cup match against Burnley. Additionally, McKenna acknowledged Aluko’s dominance in small-sided training games, emphasizing his invaluable role within the team dynamic.

However, McKenna emphasized that Aluko’s impact extended beyond his footballing abilities. He lauded Aluko’s character, describing him as one of the finest individuals he has encountered in football. Aluko’s emotional intelligence, empathy, and selflessness were instrumental in fostering a positive team environment and supporting his teammates.

McKenna credited Aluko for his contribution to the team’s success, acknowledging his pivotal role in achieving milestones such as the End-of-Season Dinner and the bus parade. He expressed a desire to retain Aluko’s presence at Portman Road, recognizing his value as a person and hoping to negotiate his continued involvement with the club.

Aluko, in response to McKenna’s tribute, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to end his career at Ipswich Town. He praised the club’s high-performance environment and the support he received from the entire staff. Aluko reflected on his decision to join the club and expressed satisfaction with his experience, describing it as a privilege.

Looking back on the season, Aluko recalled his confidence in the team’s potential early on and predicted their promotion to the Premier League. He thanked his teammates for their support and acknowledged the challenges he had posed to them. Despite not playing as much as he had hoped, Aluko expressed gratitude for making his final year in football the most memorable of his career.

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