Saido Berahino has called time on his playing career. Stephen White/CameraSport via Getty Images Former West Brom and Stoke City forward Saido Berahino has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.
Berahino made over 133 appearances in the Premier League across both clubs, with a majority of those coming during his time at West Brom.
He progressed through the ranks at West Brom before making his debut in 2012. His breakthrough season came in the 2014-15 season, where he scored 20 goals in all competitions to help them to a 13th place finish. It led to him earning an England call-up in 2014.
"From the streets of Bujumbura to the Hawthorns, from the Premier League to places I never imagined I'd play -- this game carried a young refugee kid through life," he said in an Instagram post on Sunday.
"I want to thank West Bromwich Albion for believing in me when I was a boy. Those years at the club, the goals, the fans, the moments... they will always be special. To every teammate, coach, and supporter who shared the journey -- thank you."
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He joined Stoke City in 2017 for a £12 million fee but failed to build on the promise he had shown at West Brom. He made just 56 appearances and scored five goals in his time there.
Further spells at Zulte Waregem, Sheffield Wednesday, AEL Limassol and Rajasthan United followed in subsequent years. Slovenian side Tabor Seżana proved to be the last club of his playing career.
On the international front, he made 18 appearances for Burundi.
"My body and my heart are ready for the next chapter. I am proud and grateful to now serve the Burundi national team as a coach," he said.
"Giving back to the country that made me, and helping the next generation, feels right. To my family -- you have been my strength. To the fans who stayed with me through every chapter -- I will never forget your support.
"This is not goodbye to football. It is simply the end of one story and the beginning of another."