JABO Ibehre has hung up his boots.

The former Colchester United striker has officially announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on an impressive career spanning more than 700 games and in excess of 150 goals.

Ibehre made 76 league and cup appearances for Colchester between September 2012 and June 2015.

He scored 16 goals during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The 37-year-old striker has now announced his retirement on social media, following injury.

Writing on his Twitter page, he said: "They said it would fly by that u better enjoy the party 700+ appearances and 150+ goals later it's time for me to go home.

"I'm gutted it ends through injury but it has been a dream a honour and a privilege.

"I like to thank my family and my friends for all the love and support and sacrifices along the way I am forever grateful.

"Thank you to my team-mates managers and coaching staff for the cherished memories, some horrors in there too, u know who u are but without u guys it wouldn't be easy when it was hard.

"Last but not least to the fans I'm gonna to miss u thank so much for the love it has always been appreciated x

"God bless u all Moveasy out."

Ibehre began his career at Leyton Orient and made his debut for the O's in the 1999-2000 season.

He made more than 200 league and cup appearances for the East London side before leaving them for Walsall in 2008.

A three and a half year spell at MK Dons followed along with loan spells at the likes of Southend United and Stockport County, before Ibehre was signed by Joe Dunne for Colchester in September 2012, initially on loan.

Ibehre made 15 appearances for the U's on loan before the deal was made permanent in January, 2013.

 

He left Colchester in the summer of 2015 to join Carlisle United, where he made 85 league and cup appearances before joining Cambridge United, in May 2017.

Ibehre has been there ever since but has now been forced to hang up his boots and call time on a successful career in the professional game.