Former Newcastle United star Emre Belözoğlu has announced his retirement.

Now 39, the midfielder will hang up his boots at Fenerbahe and move into management. Emre is to become the new sporting director at Fener.

Emre played 80 games with Newcastle United, while he also featured for Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid.

In Turkey, Emre played for Fener, Galatasaray and Basaksehir.

He said, “I will make a broad statement in a day or two.

"I had many emotions intertwined with everyone. I was Fenerbahce in my childhood. I had successful days in Galatasaray and Europe. They welcomed me in Başakşehir like at home. I congratulate them too.

"It won't be easy for me. Kadıköy was the place where I was happiest after my family. I will not break with football.

"I have not done any evil to anyone in life. I wanted to finish without losing, the image in my career was good as of the last game. When we look at the photo of the season, none of us had a good season, I apologise to Fenerbahce fans as a captain."