Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby retires after playing just 198 club games in 14 years 

Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 32 following an injury-ravaged career.

Diaby made just 198 club appearances in total during a senior career that spanned 14-and-a-half years, and had been without a club since being released by Marseille in 2017.

While at Arsenal Diaby, incredibly, suffered 42 separate injuries. 

Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has retired following an injury-ravaged career

Diaby was sent off during Arsenal’s 4-4 draw with Newcastle in 2011

The midfielder produced an outstanding performance as Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 in 2012

Having commenced his career at Auxerre, Diaby joined Arsenal at the age of 19 in January 2006 and initially showed some encouraging signs for the Gunners, scoring his first goal for the club in a 5-0 victory over Aston Villa.

However, he suffered a severe ankle fracture following a challenge from Sunderland’s Dan Smith in May 2006 that set the tone for his subsequent injury struggles. Diaby missed the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Diaby, who installed the first seat at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, had some encouraging moments in the 2007-08 season, which included scoring a fine goal against Derby. He also netted away to Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. 

Diaby celebrates scoring against Aston Villa during the 2009-10 season

Arsene Wenger brought fellow Frenchman Diaby to Arsenal in January 2006

Diaby had the honour of installing the first seat at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

The Frenchman continued to endure much difficulty with injuries and when he was available was often inconsistent, although he did show some glimpses of quality. 

In a game against Liverpool early in the 2012-13 season, for instance, Diaby was outstanding as Arsenal won 2-0 at Anfield. 

During his final seasons at Arsenal Diaby became a peripheral figure; indeed he played just one game in the 2014-15 campaign.

Diaby showed some encouraging signs after joining before injury struck

During the 2007 Carling Cup final Diaby accidentally kicked Chelsea’s John Terry in the head

Diaby found the net for Arsenal against Liverpool in the Champions League in 2008

Capped 16 times by France, Diaby was part of his country’s squad at the 2010 World Cup

Diaby joined Marseille in 2016 as he looked to rebuild his career, but still struggled with injuries

After leaving Arsenal, Diaby returned to France with Marseille but his injury problems continued.

Diaby mustered only six appearances for Marseille, having required surgery following an ankle injury. 

On the international stage Diaby was capped by France at senior level on 16 occasions, scoring one goal, which came in a friendly against Finland in 2012. He was included in Les Bleus’ squad for the 2010 World Cup.