Francesc ‘Cesc’ Fabregas, one of the most decorated midfielders in football history, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 36.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea star, who has been playing for Como 1907 in Italian Serie B, said he felt it was the right time to hang up his boots.
Fabregas started his career at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he impressed with his technical skills and intelligence. He moved to Arsenal at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player and scorer in the club’s history.
He spent eight years at the Emirates, captaining the team and becoming a fan favourite. He then returned to Barcelona in 2011, where he won six trophies in three seasons, including the La Liga and Copa del Rey double in 2013.
He moved to Chelsea in 2014, where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup, before joining Monaco in 2019.
In total, Fabregas won eight league titles, four domestic cups, two European championships and a World Cup with his clubs and the Spain national team, as well as numerous individual awards and accolades.
He is widely regarded as one of the best passers and playmakers of his generation, with a vision and creativity that few could match.
Fabregas thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and family for their support and said he was proud of everything he achieved in the game.
He also hinted at his future plans, saying he would like to stay involved in football in some capacity, possibly as a coach or a pundit. He said he hoped to inspire the next generation of players with his passion and love for the game.
