Former West Brom midfielder retires from football as Barry Bannan reacts

Sheffield Wednesday favourite Barry Bannan has joined the growing number of players and supporters reacting to Saido Berahino’s decision to retire from professional football.

Berahino announced his retirement on Sunday, bringing an end to a career that began with considerable promise during his breakthrough years at West Bromwich Albion.

The Burundi international quickly attracted attention after breaking into West Brom’s first team, with his performances in the Premier League raising expectations of a bright future. Although his career did not reach the heights many initially predicted, he still gained valuable experience across English and European football.

Berahino spent time alongside Bannan at Sheffield Wednesday during the Owls’ previous spell in League One. He joined the club under former manager Darren Moore, who subsequently guided Wednesday back to the Championship.

The striker’s journey to professional football was also marked by personal hardship. Born in Burundi, Berahino moved to Birmingham at the age of 10 during the Burundi Civil War, having lost his father while other members of his family had already relocated to England.

He made his West Brom debut in 2012 and went on to score 36 goals in 121 appearances for the club. However, after speculation surrounding his future and reported contract disagreements, he joined Stoke City in January 2017 for a fee of £12 million.

His time at Stoke proved difficult, with just five goals in 56 appearances. Berahino subsequently represented Zulte Waregem, Sheffield Wednesday, AEK Limassol, Rajasthan United and Tabor Sežana before moving into coaching with the Burundi national team in June.

Announcing his retirement in a lengthy Instagram statement, Berahino reflected on the end of his playing career while making it clear that he intends to remain involved in football.

“This is not goodbye to football. It is simply the end of one story and the beginning of another,” he wrote.

His announcement has prompted reactions from across the football community, including Bannan, who shared the pitch with the former West Brom forward during their time together at Hillsborough.