Former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has confirmed his immediate retirement from football.
Fabregas, 36, revealed that he would be hanging up his playing boots and calling an end to his illustrious 20-year-long career via a statement on his Twitter page.
The former Spanish international – who also played for Arsenal, Monaco and Como – won two Premier League’s, two European Championships, a Champions League title, and a World Cup before retiring.
He revealed that he’s now set his sets on coaching Como’s B team and insists he ‘couldn’t be more excited’ about the project.
In his statement he said: ‘It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.
Former Chelsea and Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas has confirmed his retirement from football via an emotional statement
The 36-year-old won a World Cup and two European Championships with the Spanish national side between 2008-2012
The legendary midfielder announced his retirement with a heartfelt message on Instagram
‘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.
‘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 was part of a Spain side that asserted their dominance across the international scene
He once caused controversy by wearing a Barcelona shirt during Spain’s World Cup celebrations – despite playing for Arsenal at the time
Fabregas spent eight seasons in north London where he became a vital part of the side
He earned the Arsenal captaincy in 2008 and lead them to a number Champions League qualifications
He then spent three years back at Barcelona where he played alongside Lionel Messi (left)
Fabregas began his career at Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, but struggled for first-team opportunities and moved to Arsenal in September 2003.
It was during his time with the Gunners where Fabregas’ skills truly developed, as he quickly became a vital part of Arsene Wenger’s side.
During his eight seasons in north London, the Spaniard made 303 appearances and, along the way, earned the club captaincy.
Despite claiming an FA Cup with Arsenal, Fabregas was destined for bigger and better things and, in August 2011, sealed a return to Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
For three years, Fabregas played his role within one of football’s finest teams which featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all coached by Pep Guardiola.
He made 151 appearances for the Catalan side and picked up a LaLiga, Copa del Rey and two SuperCopas during that time.
It was also around this time where Spain asserted their dominance on the international scene, with Fabregas being a key feature.
Fabregas won two Premier League titles during his time with Chelsea from 2014-2019
The midfielder 198 appearances for the Blues before leaving for French side Monaco
Fabregas played one year for Como before announcing his retirement and his decision to begin coaching the club’s B team
The midfielder played a role in their 2008 and 2012 Euros successes, while winning the 2010 World Cup in between.
In 2014, Fabregas pushed for an exit from Barcelona and, in turn, sealed a move to Chelsea for £30million.
During five seasons he made 198 appearances and was an integral role in their title winning sides under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
He left Chelsea in 2019 for Monaco where he spent four years before joining Como.
CESC FABREGAS’ TROPHIES
ARSENAL
- FA Cup: 2004–05
- FA Community Shield: 2004
- Football League Cup runner-up: 2006–07
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2005–06
BARCELONA
- La Liga: 2012–13
- Copa del Rey: 2011–12
- Supercopa de Espana: 2011, 2013
- UEFA Super Cup: 2011
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League: 2014–15, 2016–17
- FA Cup: 2017–18;[210] runner-up: 2016–17
- Football League Cup: 2014–15
MONACO
- Coupe de France runner-up: 2020–21
SPAIN
- FIFA World Cup: 2010
- UEFA European Championship: 2008, 2012
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
- FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Ball: 2003
- FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Shoe: 2003
- UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship Golden Player: 2004
- Bravo Award: 2006
- Golden Boy: 2006
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2006, 2008
- Premier League Player of the Month: January 2007, September 2007
- Arsenal Player of the Season: 2006–07, 2009−10
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007–08
- PFA Team of the Year: 2007–08 Premier League, 2009–10 Premier League
- ESM Team of the Year: 2007–08, 2009–10, 2014–15
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2008, 2012
- FIFA FIFPro World XI 5th team: 2014
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12254235/Former-Barcelona-Chelsea-star-Cesc-Fabregas-announces-retirement-football.html
