Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Saido Berahino has said he is ending his playing career. The 33-year-old shared the news on his Instagram account, explaining he will now concentrate on his coaching duties for Burundi's national team.

Berahino became a Sheffield Wednesday player in August 2021 and stayed for a single season. During that time, he played 36 matches across all competitions and found the net nine times. A standout moment was scoring three goals in one League One game, a home win against Cambridge United. His spell with the club ended following a play-off semi-final loss to Sunderland.

Following his departure, the Burundi international played football in Cyprus and India, and later had a period with the Slovenian club NK Tabor Sežana. He has been involved with the Burundi national team's coaching staff since the summer.

In a detailed social media post, Berahino looked back on his time in the sport. "A Letter to the Game. Football has given me everything," he wrote. He thanked West Bromwich Albion, where he developed as a young player, along with all his colleagues, managers and fans. Berahino also mentioned he would always remember the backing from Sheffield Wednesday supporters. He finished by stating, "This is not goodbye to football.

Darren Moore, who previously managed him at West Brom, was also his manager at Sheffield Wednesday. Berahino stated he is honored to work as a coach for Burundi, with the goal of assisting future players.

The announcement arrives as Sheffield Wednesday's present squad gets ready for its next match. The team currently sits 7th in League One with 18 points from 10 games, having recorded five wins, three draws and two defeats. They are four points behind the leaders, Stockport County. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw and one defeat from the last five outings, a sequence that includes a 5-0 thrashing of AFC Wimbledon on Saturday 17 October and a 2-0 loss to Notts County on Tuesday 20 October. The side has scored 20 goals and conceded 10 this season, giving them a goal difference of plus ten. The club's current top scorer is J. Lowe with five goals in 10 appearances. Wednesday now turn their attention to an away fixture against 19th-placed Doncaster on Saturday 24 October.

First reported at sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk