Legendary Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football, after 20 years of active footballing service.
Via a statement on his Twitter account, Fabregas revealed that he would be retiring from football, ending an illustrious career that spanned two decades.
The 36-year-old who played for several top teams in Europe, including Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, won several trophies during his glittering career.
He won one FIFA World Cup, one UEFA Champions League title and two European Championships amongst many other trophies.
Cesc Fabregas in a lengthy statement shared on Twitter, expressed that he is sad that he is retiring.
Cesc Fabregas statement on his retirement from football
His statement reads: “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.
“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 acknowledged that following two decades of “sacrifice, dedication and joy”, it was time for him to call time on the round leather game.
Fabregas wrote: “After 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game.”
The Spaniard caused controversy in 2003, when he left Spanish giants Barcelona to join Arsenal at the age of 16.
During his time with the North London side, the 36-year-old won only one FA Cup before heading back to Barcelona in 2011.
The former La Roja won several trophies at Barcelona including one Spanish La Liga title, one Copa Del Ray title, one UEFA Super Cup title and a FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
Fabregas was amongst the Spain Squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Cesc Fabregas was also a member of the triumphant Spain team that won the Euros in 2008 and 2012, he was also part of the side that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 36-year-old joined Chelsea in 2014 from Barcelona and he also continued to produce magic.
Fabregas won the Premier League title with Chelsea on two occasions, one FA Cup and one English Football League Cup.
He departed Stamford Bridge in 2019, joining AS Monaco where he spent three-and-a-half years before leaving the club for Italian side Como.
Como currently play in the Serie B and it is a club owned by Cesc Fabregas and his former teammate at Arsenal Thierry Henry.
The 2010 World Cup winner has disclosed that he is now set on managing the reserve team of Como FC and the U-19 team.
Excerpt from his statement on Twitter reads: “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.”
Culminating his statement, Cesc Fabregas wrote: “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”.
The Spaniard made 737 appearances in his career, scoring 125 goals and providing 214 assists.
