Cesc Fabregas has announced that he has retired from professional football in an official statement on his social media profiles. The midfielder played for Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Monaco and Italian side Como. And after establishing himself as one of the best playmakers of his generation, he has now decided to call it a day on his playing career.
The Spaniard has won every available trophy with Barcelona, and enjoyed an incredible spell in England with both Arsenal and Chelsea. His days in Monaco were riddled with injuries, before he took up a final spell with Como. And now, he has decided to turn the page in his career and take up a new challenge.
Cesc Fabregas officially announces retirement from football
“It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.
“From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all. From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget.
All those who have helped me, my teammates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans and my agent. To all my family, from my parents and my sister to my wife and kids, I cherish your advice, mentorship and guidance. To my opponents who tried to knock me, thank you for making me stronger. It has already been more than worth it with all the great memories and friends that I have made on the way. I’ve also learnt 3 languages and became more compassionate and wiser along my travels. I lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to,” the official statement from Cesc Fabregas read.
“It’s not all sadness though as I’m now going to cross the white line and start coaching the B and Primavera teams of Como 1907. A club and a project I couldn’t be more excited about. This charming football team won my heart from the first minute and came to me at the perfect time in my career. I will grab it with both hands.
So after 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game.”
“I loved every minute.”
Cesc Fabregas joins the likes of Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard as the iconic midfielders of his generation that have turned to management. Although he is starting off in a lower role, his knowledge of the game and history under some of the best managers in the world has the potential to mould him into a top manager down the line.
