By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Former Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Cesc Fabregas has announced his immediate retirement from football to move into a coaching role.
Fabregas brings the curtains down on a glittering career at the age of 36 after a final season playing for Italian side Como.
The Spaniard will remain involved in the game, beginning his coaching career working with Como’s youth sides.
‘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 team-mates, 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 three 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,’ Fabregas said in a statement.
After leaving the Barcelona youth academy, Fabregas made his Arsenal debut at the age of 16, helping the club win the FA Cup in his first season in the first-team as the Gunners edged past Manchester United on penalties at Wembley.
After seven years in north London, captaining Arsenal for four of those, he returned to the Camp Nou where he won a Copa del Roey in 2012 and the Spanish title in 2013.
A return to England beckoned in 2014, joining Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles and an FA Cup.
At international level, Fabregas was part of the legendary Spain side that dominated international football for six years, winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
After leaving Chelsea in 2019, he spent two seasons in France with Monaco before joining Como in 2022.
Source: Metro UK Football.
