Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from professional football.
Fabregas most recently played for Italian Serie B side Como, where he will now coach the club’s B and Primavera teams following his retirement from playing.
The 36-year-old made his name at Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup in 2005 and reached the Champions League final the following season across an eight-season spell before he returned to Barcelona – the team he played for as a youngster.
And after winning several honours including the league title and Copa Del Rey, Fabregas returned to England with Chelsea where we won two Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho and then Antonio Conte, as well as an FA Cup and a League Cup.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe also made 110 appearances for his country Spain, becoming a World Cup winner in 2010 and twice winning the European Championships.
“With great sadness the time has come to hang up my boots,” Fabregas said.
“I will cherish every moment, from the early days at Barcelona, Arsenal, back at the Blaugrana, Chelsea, Monaco and finally Como. From the World Cup, to the European Championships, victories in England, Spain, winning European trophies: it was a trip I will never forget.
“I’ve had experiences I never thought I’d even come close to in a million years.
“I’m not sad, because I’m about to start a new path: coaching the B and Primavera team of Como 1907. A club and a project I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about. This team won my heart from the first minute, we met at the perfect moment in my career. I will give my all in this new adventure.
“So, after 20 incredible years full of sacrifices, joy and passion, the time has come to say thank you again and say hello to the most beautiful sport in the world.”
