Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football as he begins to embark on his coaching career with Como 1907’s B and Primavera teams. The 36-year-old Spaniard has enjoyed remarkable success in a host of different countries since making his senior debut for Arsenal way back in 2004 and some 17 years later, he has decided the time is now right to call it quits.
He said during an emotional statement: “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 won the FA Cup with Arsenal in his breakthrough season back in 2005 and went onto captain the Gunners under Arsene Wenger after seamlessly replacing club icon Patrick Vieira in midfield at Highbury.
Yet his exceptional form in both the Premier League and Champions League soon caught the eye of former club Barcelona as he sealed his return to Catalonia in a £31million transfer in August 2011.
Fabregas endured struggles trying to nail down a starting berth in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barca side with compatriots Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta all at the top of their game.
After winning six trophies in three seasons including La Liga in 2013 and the Copa del Rey in 2012, Fabregas would clinch a controversial return to the Premier League with Chelsea.
The decision did not prove popular back in north London where Arsenal’s supporters were left devastated by their former captain’s decision to join an arch rival in Chelsea.
Nonetheless, that did not stop Fabregas from showcasing his class as he helped Chelsea win two Premier League titles in three seasons (2014/15 and 2016/17) under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
Fabregas also lifted the League Cup and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge before eventually joining Monaco in January 2019.
The midfield technician’s time at the club was disrupted by injury, however and he eventually opted to move to Serie B side Como in Italy for the final chapter of his career in 2022.
Once again, Fabregas struggled to retain full fitness and made just 17 appearances with Como before now deciding to end his playing career.
At international level, Fabregas remains one of the world’s most decorated players having played key roles for Spain in their Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs.
He collected 110 caps during a ten-year international career with La Roja, scoring 15 times for his country.
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