Birmingham City striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. The 36-year-old forward, who has been a pivotal figure for the club over the past nine years, will transition into a new role within the organization, details of which are yet to be disclosed.

Jutkiewicz's career at Birmingham has been marked by dedication and success. He has made 356 appearances for the Blues, scoring 69 goals and helping the team secure the League One title this season. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in the club's achievements.

Interim chief executive Jeremy Dale expressed his admiration for Jutkiewicz, stating, "He is held in the highest regard by everyone at the club and is loved by our fans like no other player in recent history. We are delighted that he will be taking up a new role."

Throughout his career, Jutkiewicz has played under 15 managers at St Andrew's and was named Birmingham's Player of the Year in 2020. His journey began at Swindon Town, with notable spells at Middlesbrough, Coventry City, and Burnley before joining Birmingham in 2016.

Former teammate and current director of football Craig Gardner praised Jutkiewicz's commitment, saying, "He gave absolutely everything on the pitch and is a credit to our profession. His loyalty and love for the club were evident throughout often turbulent times."

As Jutkiewicz prepares to hang up his boots, the Birmingham community and football fans worldwide celebrate his contributions to the sport and look forward to his continued impact in his new role.