By Samuel A. July 3, 2023
Former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has decided to hang his boots and retire from professional football at the age of 36. The middle maestro hangs up his boots following a successful and colorful career which saw the Spaniard win two Premier League titles with Chelsea, a La Liga with Barcelona and an FA Cup with Arsenal. He also earned 110 caps for Spain in an international career which saw him win back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup in between those successes.
The Spaniard began his career at famous Barca academy, La Masia, but made his professional debut for Arsenal at 16 and spent eight seasons in the North London side before returning to Catalonia. Even after winning the FA Cup with the Gunners, Fabregas enjoyed a much greater success in Spain as he lifted LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in just about three years. He then returned to the Premier League with Chelsea and won the title twice, first under Jose Mourinho and then under Antonio Conte. He also won the FA Cup and League Cup for the Blues.
Fabregas said of his decision to retire : “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. Cesc.”
The 36-year-old will now turn his attention to coaching with Fabregas staying at Serie B side Como, the club he played for last season, to coach their under-19 and B sides.
