READING FC striker Yann Kermorgant will hang up his boots at the end of the 2017/18 season.

The Frenchman made the surprise announcement at today's press conference at Hogwood Park.

Kermorgant revealed he is already making future plans for when his football days are over and he will launch a new career in investment banking.


The Brittany-born forward will be 36-year-old by the time he retires.

He said: ""I'm going to retire next season, even if I score 20 goals.

"That's why I would love to get promotion and finish in the Premier League, it will be a dream.

"Whatever happens next season will be my last.

"After football I think I will go into investment.

"I don't know how many chances I'll get to play next season because of my age."

The striker added: "At the start of the season I had two targets, one was to be good enough to get another year because I wasn't ready to retire this season.

"I've been away from my family and my friends for a long time. It's difficult for me and for my wife."

Kermorgant has made 53 appearances for Reading and scored 14 goals.

He was signed from Bournemouth in January 2016 for around £500,000 on an 18-month contract, having helped the Cherries gain promotion to the Premier League.

Kermorgant then signed a new deal at Reading in February, keeping him at the club until summer 2018 after which he will quit football for good.


Royals boss Jaap Stam said at the time: Boss Jaap Stam said: "Yann has been very important for us throughout the season, with his experience and the quality that he has.

"He has made a big impact for us and it is important for us as a club to keep players with those qualities within the group."

Kermorgant has made 272 appearances and scored 76 goals during his career that also included spells with Charlton Athletic, Leicester City and French clubs Arles-Avignon and Reims.