Cesc Fabregas announces retirement – ‘The time has come to hang up my shoes’

Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football after a career with Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco and Como.

The 36-year-old announced on his Twitter page that he would be bringing his 20-year career to a close, and will become Como’s B team coach.

Fabregas won two Premier League titles, two European Championships and a World Cup.

The Spaniard began his career with Barcelona but moved to Arsenal in 2003 in pursuit of regular first-team football.

He spent eight years with Arsene Wenger as he became one of the best midfielders of his generation, playing 303 games for the side and becoming club captain.

In 2011 he returned to Barcelona, making 151 appearances and winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

For the national team, he was part of the European Championship-winning sides of 2008 and 2012, and was part of the 2010 World Cup victory – with the 36-year-old playing the pass that crafted the winning goal for Andres Iniesta against Netherlands.

In 2014 he left Barcelona for Chelsea, winning two Premier Leagues, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Five years later he moved to Monaco before joining Como.

He wrote on Twitter: “With great sadness the time has come to hang up my shoes.

“I will cherish every moment, from the early days at Barcelona, to Arsenal, back to the blaugrana, Chelsea, Monaco and finally Como. From the World Cup, to the European Championships, the victories in England, Spain, winning European trophies: it was a journey I will never forget.

“To all those who helped me, my team-mates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans and my agent; to all my family, from my parents to my sister, my wife and my children, who always gave me advice and were always a guide; to my opponents with whom I shared great battles on the pitch: thank you for making me stronger. I have so many indelible memories and found friends along the way, if only for that it would have been worth it.

“I have also learnt three languages, grown and matured during my travels.

“I have had experiences I never thought I could even come close to, not in a million years.

“But 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 of my career. I will give my all in this new adventure.

“So, after 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, joy and passion, the time has come to say thank you again and goodbye to the most beautiful sport in the world.

“I loved every minute of it.”