FORMER Coventry City defender Fankaty Dabo has announced his retirement from professional football due to injury.
Dabo won the League One title with the Sky Blues in the 2019/20 season as he made 32 appearances in the Covid-affected campaign.
The 30-year-old spent four seasons with the club, making a total of 131 appearances.
He missed the decisive penalty in the 2022/23 Championship play-off final against Luton Town at Wembley.
The play-off final would prove Dabo’s last appearance for the club after Coventry opted against offering him a new deal.
He later featured for Forest Green Rovers in League Two and Raith Rovers in the Scottish Championship.
However, Dabo has decided to retire from the sport due to an ongoing injury.
Dabo posted on X: “After a year out of the beautiful game we all love, and discussion with those with immense knowledge, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to retire from professional football due to an ongoing injury.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have played for a number of teams throughout my career where I have achieved and learned so many things.
“Thank you to all the clubs that have given me the opportunity to be part of your football club, I will always be grateful and you will always hold a massive place in my heart.
“To every coach, manager, scout, physio and every other job that coincides within these many great clubs, thank you.
“A lot of you believed in me, challenged me and helped shape me into the player and person I am today and made football ever so pleasant.
“To my teammates, thank you for the battles, laughs, support and memories on and off the pitch that we will forever share.
“And to the fans, from own goals, missed penalties, goals and great performances, you have given me so many goosebumps over the years.
“Thank you for your unwavering love for me. You guys creating songs my kids sang back to me and made them lovers of this wonderful game.
“I will never forget the memories we shared. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.
“Football has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. This decision hasn’t been easy but I leave the game with nothing but pride, gratitude and love for football.”
The full-back came through Chelsea’s academy and spent time on loan at Swindon Town, Vitesse and Sparta Rotterdam before joining the Sky Blues on a free transfer in June 2019.
Dabo won Coventry’s player of the season award in the title-winning 2019/20 campaign and also earned a place in that season’s PFA team of the year.
