Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football after 20 years.
Fabregas, 36, made announcement in a statement via his social media handle.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder said: “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,” his statement continued.
“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.”
He said: “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/Wuwj04WanB— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 1, 2023
Fabregas lifted 17 trophies, scored 125 goals and registered 217 assists in 739 first-team club appearances.
He won FA Cup in Arsenal where he played for 8 years following his debut at the club at 16.
He the moved to Barcelona where he won a LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup in his three years stay there.
The Spaniard then returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, winning the title twice, the FA Cup and a League Cup for the Blues.
Fabregas will now turn to coach at Serie B club Como — where he played last season.
He said: “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.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
