2010 World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer. The former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder took to social media to announce his decision to hang up his cleats to take on a managerial role at Italian club Como 1907.
One of the Premier League’s most magnificent midfielders, the 36-year-old’s career took a downhill turn after moving to AS Monaco. He eventually started to see fewer and fewer in-game minutes, which ultimately led to this decision.
Cesc Fabregas announces his retirement on Twitter
In a tweet that included clips of his career, Fabregas wrote:
“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.”
“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.”
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
Cesc’s decorated career
After being signed from Barcelona at the tender age of 16, Fàbregas made his Arsenal debut and immediately established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest playmakers, eventually taking over the midfield reins from Frenchman Patrick Vieira.
He played for Arsenal for eight years, during which time he won the FA Cup in 2005, before returning to his youth club, Barcelona, where he spent another three years and won six trophies. After that, he returned to London and signed with Chelsea, where he would go on to win the Premier League twice and the FA Cup twice.
With Spain, however, he achieved his greatest success, earning 110 international caps and two consecutive European Championships (in 2008 and 2012) while also assisting on the game-winning goal in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
He eventually moved to French side AS Monaco, and then to the Italian Club Como 1907, where he announced his retirement to take on a coaching role for the team’s reserves.
Lionel Messi shares heart-warming message upon Cesc’s announcement
Upon hearing of his former teammate’s retirement, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi made his thoughts known. Leo took to his Instagram to share a heart-warming message toward Fabregas, with whom he shared the pitch 123 times and combined 26 goals:
“You already know all the good things we think of both you and your family, @cescf4bregas. You are a crack and we are going to continue spending many moments together, we love you very much and we wish you all the best in your new stage friend!!! Big hug.”
Do you think we will see Cesc Fabregas emerge as a successful coach in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments!
