Chuks Aneke has confirmed his retirement from professional football, ending a career that included two spells with Charlton Athletic. The striker made appearances for the Addicks, scoring goals across his time at The Valley. His departure comes as Charlton sit 19th in the Championship on 14 points after 12 games, with three wins, five draws and four defeats.
Aneke came through the academy at Arsenal and made a first-team appearance for the Gunners. His career took him to clubs in England and Belgium, including Zulte Waregem, MK Dons, and Birmingham City, where he spent a year in the Championship. He also had productive loan spells at Crewe Alexandra, netting times in games.
"I have confirmed my retirement from playing," Aneke said. His final professional appearance came on New Year's Day in Charlton's defeat to Norwich City, a result that typified a difficult period for the club. That loss was part of a recent run of zero wins, two draws and three defeats, including a 3-1 home loss to Norwich on Saturday 24 October and a 2-0 defeat at Watford on Saturday 17 October. The team has scored 11 goals this season while conceding 18.
Charlton's current struggles provide a stark backdrop to the news of a former player's departure. The team, which is 11 points behind leaders Middlesbrough, sits in the Championship with points from games, having lost their last two matches. Their next test is a tough trip to league leaders Middlesbrough on Saturday 31 October. The club's current top scorer is T. Campbell with 4 goals in 12 appearances. Aneke's career tally finished at goals in games, with his most prolific spell being goals in appearances for MK Dons.
