Cesc Fàbregas officially ends playing career

In a surprising turn of events, former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea star Cesc Fàbregas has officially retired from professional football at the age of 36.

The Spanish midfielder, who enjoyed a highly successful career spanning two decades, made the announcement through an emotional statement on his Instagram account.

Cesc Fàbregas, renowned for his exceptional vision and passing ability, last played for Como in the Italian second tier during the previous season, featuring in 17 matches for the club.

Despite having signed a two-year contract with the Serie B outfit and becoming a part-owner, Fàbregas has decided to hang up his boots and transition into coaching, specifically focusing on the B and youth teams at Como.

Having begun his football journey at Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Fàbregas departed at the age of 16 to join Arsenal in 2003.

During his time with the Gunners, he amassed over 300 appearances, scoring 57 goals, and played a crucial role in their 2005 FA Cup triumph. Fàbregas also captained the North London side, establishing himself as one of the world’s premier midfielders.

In 2011, Fàbregas returned to Barcelona, a club fresh off a treble-winning campaign. Over three seasons, he made 151 appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring 42 goals and lifting the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles.

A controversial move saw Fàbregas make a switch back to English football, joining Chelsea, a decision that disappointed some Arsenal fans.

Nonetheless, he went on to achieve further success with the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and accumulating 198 appearances for the club. Fàbregas then moved on to Monaco in 2019 before ending his playing career with a spell at Como.

On the international stage, Fàbregas represented Spain 110 times, scoring 15 goals. He was an integral part of the national team’s “Golden Generation” that clinched the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and triumphed in two consecutive UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Notably, Fàbregas holds the distinction of being the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League assists in history, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities.

Recent developments suggest that Fàbregas might pursue a career in coaching, as he has spent time working with former teammate Jack Wilshere in the Arsenal under-18 setup.

In his retirement statement, Fàbregas expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey, including teammates, coaches, directors, fans, and his agent. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support and acknowledged the opponents who challenged him, making him a stronger player.

Fàbregas’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious and trophy-laden career. Throughout his 20-year tenure in professional football, he amassed an impressive collection of honors and accolades while leaving an indelible mark on the clubs he represented.

As he embarks on his new chapter in coaching, Fàbregas expressed his excitement for the opportunity to work with Como 1907’s B and Primavera teams, affirming his deep passion for the beautiful game.

Football enthusiasts around the world bid farewell to a player whose vision, technique, and footballing intelligence will be remembered for years to come. Cesc Fàbregas’s retirement symbolizes the end of an era, yet his impact on the sport and the memories he created will continue to resonate within the hearts of fans and the footballing community.