Ex-Burnley, Wolves and Stoke City star confirms retirement aged 36 | OneFootball

Welsh striker Sam Vokes is set to retire from professional football at the end of the season

Sam Vokes has had an excellent career in English football, but the Welshman's time on the pitch is coming to an end.

Southampton-born former Welsh international Sam Vokes came through the ranks on the South Coast, not for the Saints, but down the road with AFC Bournemouth, where he made a name for himself in League One.

He'd earn a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008, and would head out on a series of loan spells during his stint at Molineux, before shining in Lancashire with Burnley, the club he is most synonymous with.

As the 36-year-old winds down his career in League Two with Gillingham in League Two, he has made an announcement on his plans at the end of the season.

Sam Vokes is set to retire at the end of the season

Having made his professional debut nearly 20 years ago, Vokes has announced his decision to retire at the end of the season.

Currently contracted to Gillingham in League Two, the former Welsh international has seen his game time decrease over the years as he has gotten older, and has mainly been an impact substitute in Kent this campaign, with the majority of his appearances coming off the bench.

In a statement released by Gillingham, Vokes said: "This Saturday's match at Gillingham will be my last. I feel now is the right time to retire from a career I have absolutely loved.

"Never did I dream I would be fortunate enough to have played across all four divisions and represent some amazing clubs."

The Welshman has further released a longer statement of his decision to retire from professional football via X, where, after over 750 professional appearances, he has thanked all the clubs he has represented across his career, as well as his teammates, coaching staff, and supporters.

Arguably, the highlight of the 36-year-old's career was netting the third and final goal in Wales' memorable 3-1 victory over Belgium at Euro 2016 to advance his country into their first major semi-final in their history.

Vokes spent six-and-a-half years with Burnley between 2012 and 2019, where he became a fan favourite under Sean Dyche at Turf Moor, netting double-digit hauls in both the Championship and the Premier League.

Now, he is set to make the final appearance of his career this Saturday when Gillingham take on Shrewsbury at the Priestfield Stadium, where he will no doubt want to end with a goal and a victory.

Sam Vokes has had an excellent career spanning nearly 20 years

Having begun his career at Bournemouth, his next permanent move would be to Wolves, where he would spend numerous loan spells with the likes of Leeds United, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Norwich City, Burnley, and Brighton and Hove Albion.

He'd eventually join the Clarets in 2012 for just £350k, and would score 20 and assist four as he'd fire Burnley to the Premier League in 2014, and then once again in 2016.

His time in Lancashire would end when Stoke City spent £7 million to bring him to the Potteries under Nathan Jones in January 2019, ending his time at Turf Moor with 64 goals and 17 assists in 267 appearances.

His time with the Potters didn't go to plan, as spells with Wycombe Wanderes and finally Gillingham followed, where he is finally set to call the curtain on his career.