Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has announced his retirement from professional football.The Ghanaian midfielder has called time on his career at the age of just 27, citing a serious knee injury as the primary reason for his decision.Frimpong uploaded a statement to his official Twitter account explaining his choice, thanking the fans of his numerous clubs along the way.https://twitter.com/IAMFRIMPONG26/status/1103766727899443200

His statement read: "It is with great sadness I have decided to retire from professional football. I have had problems with my knee for the last five years or so and have got back to playing at a professional level.

"But since November 2017 I haven't been in action as I had a tear in my knee ligament. I decided with my own will that I will not opt for the operation since I was not enjoying football playing through pain.

https://twitter.com/JackWilshere/status/1103935571850780672

"I would love to thank all the clubs I have represented, Arsenal, Charlton, Barnsley, Fulham, UFA, AFC Eskilstuna and Ermis for the love and support they have given and to the fans who always supported me. Thank you and let's see what the future holds.

"Spending time with my daughter and family the last year has made me realise I'm blessed."

He's not made a senior appearance since 2017 with Cypriot side Ermis Aradippou.

Frimpong also spent time with Swedish outfit AFC Eskilstuna and Russian sides FC Ufa and Arsenal Tula after leaving English football back in 2014.

He was seen as the latest talent to emerge from Arsenal's academy system, but he failed to impress when given his chances.

Loans to Wolves, Charlton and Fulham did little to build his reputation in England.

Frimpong moved to Barnsley in 2014, but made just nine appearances for the club before opting to move to Russia the very same year.