Iconic Chairboys striker Bayo Akinfenwa has penned an emotional message following his retirement from professional football.

The 40-year-old played 250 times for Wycombe Wanderers and is the top scorer for the club during the EFL era.

Since arriving at Adams Park in 2016, the fan favourite has netted 61 goals across three tiers of the game including a sole strike in the Championship.

Hanging up his boots after more than 20 years, he leaves having scored more than 200 career goals in almost 800 matches for 13 clubs.

His final involvement was 15 minutes under the Wembley arch in Gareth Ainsworth's sides' 2-0 defeat to Sunderland in the League One play-off final- a bittersweet moment in a distinguished career.

Releasing a statement on social media on Saturday, he made special comment to those involved in Buckinghamshire.

"To my football family at Wycombe Wanderers," he started. "Words will never do justice what you all mean to me. To the board, both past and present, thank you! 

"To the Couhig family thank you for your drive and ambition which aided in taking the club to the next level. To all the staff, thank you! I’ve got to shout out Cian, Watesy and Josh who have been there from the beginning of my Wycombe journey, got mad love for you guys. To every single teammate that I shared the dressing room with, we have a bond that will live with me for a lifetime. We defied limitation and overcame the odds. Thank you.

 

Bucks Free Press:

 

"And of course, to our amazing fans…we’ve shared some special special moments, and nobody can ever take that away from us. Thank you for everything, you will always be in my heart."

It was not just the hierarchy and supporters who got a shout out, with assistant manager Richard Dobson referred to as 'Yoda' from Star Wars and Chairboys boss Ainsworth a 'trialblazer.'

His message concluded: "A special thank you goes to Richard Dobson, who throughout my time at Wycombe was my Yoda. Last but not least, to the man I believe I was not only destined to meet in a professional capacity, but I know on a personal level… Mr Gareth Ainsworth. Your unwavering belief, support and love has been unmatched. Never change, continue to be a trailblazer."