Twitter reacts as Abou Diaby announces his retirement

After an injury-filled career, Abou Diaby has announced his retirement from football. The Frenchman was once considered one of the greatest talents and rising stars of Arsenal, but he never lived up to expectations after a broken leg. The 32-year-old made just 180 appearances for Arsenal despite spending nine years of his career at North London.

After being released by the Gunners, he left for Marseille but played only six times over the span of two seasons. Unfortunately, he was released in 2017 and have not played a competitive match since 2016.

In May 2006, Diaby suffered a serious ankle fracture. The injury halted his progress and caused him many other separate injuries over the years. Arsene Wenger, his former manager, paid homage to the midfielder. Diaby certainly could have had a more fulfilling career had he not been injured back in 2006.

Arsenal fans are well aware of the talent that he has and he could even have lifted the World Cup title with the rest of the French squad last year. No one would have expected the player to miss so many games and never truly come back to play competitive football.

Announcing his retirement, the French midfielder admitted that it was difficult for him to come back and eventually, he decided to hang up his boots.

Footballers from all around the world also commented on his skills and talents during the years that he was active. Although he did not achieve the status of becoming a legend at Arsenal, fans would surely remember his best moments when he played.

It is such a huge pity that he had to retire without playing much in his career. Here was how fans reacted to his retirement news.

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"I won't forget him. I learned a lot from him."Paul Pogba is a lifelong member of the Abou Diaby fan club. pic.twitter.com/pFYM4b4gnY

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) February 25, 2019

Abou Diaby has announced his retirement from football. A truly top quality talent who has been ruined by injury. Would have been one of the best box to box players of this generation if it wasn't for those injuries. He had everything.

— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) February 25, 2019

Abou Diaby has retired from football. Real shame his career remained unfulfilled. Will never forgive that rat, Dan Smith, for ruining it.

— 1886 (@1886_blog) February 25, 2019

Absolutely gutted to hear about Abou Diaby retiring at 32 what a fantastic player he was could have been an absolute superstar if not go injuries 🔴⚪️

— Lee Judges (@leemarkjudges) February 25, 2019

Abou Diaby has announced his retirement from Football today. Never ever will I forget his performance against Liverpool at Anfield, ah what could've been.. pic.twitter.com/EtNWSZHilP

— Dammit Arsenal🤦 (@DammitArsenal) February 25, 2019

THE BEST ONE... abou_diaby . Yes i said it and from far. Not only an amazing player.. an amazing soul too 🙏🏾 God keeps you healthy my friend. Time to shine somewhere else ✨ #AbouDiaby… https://t.co/ObrWvn6QAq

— Bacary Sagna (@Sagnaofficial) February 25, 2019

An injury free Abou Diaby had the potential to be one of the best in the world. Such a shame. pic.twitter.com/6kYWUYNKXq

— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) February 25, 2019

Paul Pogba on Abou Diaby: “He was a better midfielder than me. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I won’t forget him, I learned a lot from him.” pic.twitter.com/1fQCmpXfIk

— TheAFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) February 25, 2019

😢 Abou Diaby has sadly announced his retirement from football, aged 32.🏟 208 Games🇫🇷 16 Caps⚽ 22 Goals🎯 18 Assists🚑 36 Injuries ✅ Scored the first goal of Didier Deschamps’ @EquipeDeFrance reign.😔 What a player he could have been. pic.twitter.com/VUDnbqppZV

— SPORF (@Sporf) February 25, 2019

Sad but not surprised to learn Abou Diaby has announced his retirement. Another talented Arsenal player whose career in North London was curtailed by a reckless challenge bordering on the edge of impropriety by one of those footballers 'who wasn't that type of player...'

— Layth (@laythy29) February 25, 2019

Thank you Abou Diaby.Especially for this pic.twitter.com/DGVeudxirE

— GoonerJohn (@mrjohnfriend) February 25, 2019

Abou Diaby was one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve seen in an Arsenal shirt. Sadly he had his career ruined by Dan Smith, who played 4 games for Sunderland and was sent off in two. I can only imagine the player he would have been, if not for that horror challenge. #afc

— Adam Keys (@_AdamKeys) February 25, 2019

Arsene Wenger's tribute to Abou Diaby: “Unfortunately, you were not maybe able to express all the talent that you have. But I am sure that you will have success in whatever comes next. I hope it for you, thank you and I wish you all the best for the future.” pic.twitter.com/xCVZwH2dzf

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) February 26, 2019

#AFC | Wishing Abou Diaby a very happy retirement. A talented player taken over by so many injuries. Massive shame, but a great guy.

— Chris Davison (@cdavison_afc) February 25, 2019

Abou Diaby retires at the age of 32 having played only 200 club games in 14 years. From being compared to Patrick Vierra by Arsene Wenger to Paul Pogba admitting that Diaby was better than himself, it's been another classic case of what could have been. Gutted for him.

— RF9 🇧🇷 (@SambaRole) February 26, 2019