Cesc Fabregas retires from football as Arsenal legend already turns to coaching

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    Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has retired from playing football after a glittering 20-year career.

    The midfield magician played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including the Gunners, boyhood club Barcelona and Chelsea, before spending his twilight years at Monaco and finally Como in Italy.

    His remarkable career saw him lift two Premier League trophies, one La Liga, two European Championships and a World Cup, after he set up the winning goal in 2010’s final.

    Now 36, Fabregas announced he is calling time on his career as one of the greatest midfielders of the 21st century and instead turning his attention to coaching.

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    Fabregas said: “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.

    Do you think Cesc Fabregas was the best playmaker of his generation? Let us know in the comments section.

    “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.”

    Fabregas played 738 games across four different countries, scoring 125 goals and notching an astonishing 217 assists.

    He made the brave decision to leave hometown club Barcelona for the harsher Premier League as a teenager. But the Spaniard’s boldness paid off as his unique talents quickly shone through at Arsenal, winning the Golden Boy award before breaking into a first-team surrounded by legends.

    Having earned the respect of Thierry Henry and Arsene Wenger, Fabregas became Arsenal’s second youngest captain ever aged 21 and was regarded as one of the greatest playmakers on the planet.

    Yet personal accolades weren’t enough as he grew disillusioned with the Gunners’ lack of success and could not resist joining Barcelona. There, he was reunited with his Spain teammates and some of his childhood friends, including Lionel Messi.

    After a prolific three-year stint in La Liga, the Catalan returned to the Premier League – this time joining Arsenal’s bitter foes Chelsea. More success followed as he played a crucial role in two title-winning teams.

    As with all footballers, burned out legs eventually caught up with him and he sought to take on a new challenge with Monaco as a senior player. The most 'miserable' spell of his career was followed by a 2022 move to Serie B side Como as both a player and a shareholder.

    Since then, alongside sporadic appearances as a BT Sport pundit, Fabregas has been doing his coaching badges in preparation for the next step in his career. Last season he assisted former teammate Jack Wilshere in training the Gunners’ U18s side, something which provided him with valuable experience ahead of his new challenge.

    Fabregas went on to say: “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.”

    • Premier League
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