Cesc Fabregas, a former midfielder for Spain, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea, announced his retirement on Saturday. After a successful 20-year playing career, he will hang up his boots to become a coach at Como.
After being acquired by Arsenal from Barcelona at the age of 16, Fabregas made his presence known by making his debut. He replaced the Frenchman Patrick Vieira in the midfield and went on to become one of the Premier League’s finest playmakers.
After spending eight seasons with Arsenal, where he captured the FA Cup in 2005, he returned to Barcelona for three years, where he won six titles.
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He later returned to London and joined Chelsea, where he won his second FA Cup and two Premier League championships.
His greatest achievements, however, came with Spain, where he amassed 110 caps, two consecutive European Championships in 2008 and 2012, and assisted on the extra-time victory in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
“It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots,” Fabregas wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Fabregas spent his final season playing for Como in the Italian second division, Serie B, where he will start his coaching career.
“It’s not all sadness though as I’m now going to cross the white line and start coaching the B and Primavera (youth) teams of Como 1907.
“A club and a project I couldn’t be more excited about,” he added.
“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.”