Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football after incredible 20-year career

Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 36

The Spaniard turned out for Como in the Italian second tier last season, making 17 appearances for the club.

Fabregas had signed a two-year contract for the Serie B outfit and became part-owner but will now move into coaching the B and youth teams after deciding it is the right time to hang up his boots.

Fabregas came through the ranks at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy but left aged 16 to sign for Arsenal in 2003.

He made over 303 appearances for the club, scoring 57 times and winning the FA Cup in 2005. Fabregas also captained the Gunners and cemented his place as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Image: Getty

Barcelona, fresh off winning the treble, brought him back home in 2011 and Fabregas spent three seasons in the first-team of the Catalans, scoring 42 times in 151 appearances and winning La Liga and the Copa Del Rey.

Fabregas would then make a shock return to English football and angering some Gunners fans by signing for Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup and amassed 198 appearances.

He left for Monaco in 2019 before finishing up with another dream living location in Como.

Image: Getty

On the international stage, Fabregas represented Spain 110 times and found the net on 15 occasions. He was an integral part of the 'Golden Generation' which won the World Cup and two European Championships in a dominant period between 2008 and 2012.

Image: Getty

The fastest player to get to 100 Premier League assists in history, Fabregas could well be set for his next chapter in coaching after recently spending some time working with former teammate Jack Wilshere in the Arsenal under 18's.

He took to Instagram to announce the end of his glittering 20-year stint in the game, writing a lengthy statement.

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 teammates, 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 3 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."