Cesc Fabregas, a playmaker who used to play for Arsenal and Chelsea, has quit professional football at age 36.
Fabregas’s career was very successful. He won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, one La Liga title with Barcelona, and one FA Cup title with Arsenal.
As a member of Spain, he also won the World Cup and two European Championships. Fabregas played for his country 110 times between 2006 and 2016.
Fabregas, who is 36 years old, will now focus on teaching. He will stay at Serie B club Como, where he played last season, to coach their under-19 and B teams.
Fabregas said about his choice to stop playing, “It is with great sadness that I must say goodbye to the field.”
“I will always remember my first days at Barcelona, Arsenal, Barcelona again, Chelsea, Monaco, and Como. From winning the World Cup and the Euros to winning everything in England and Spain and almost all the European trophies, it’s been a journey I’ll never forget.
“Everyone who has helped me, including my teammates, teachers, directors, presidents, owners, friends, and my agent. From my parents and sister to my wife and kids, I value the help, teaching, and direction you all give me. Thank you to those who tried to knock me down because you made me better.
“It’s already been more than worth it because I’ve made so many good memories and friends along the way. During my trips, I’ve also learned three languages and grown more kind and wise.
“I did things I never thought I would even come close to doing in a million years. Not everything is sad, though, because I’m about to cross the white line and start teaching Como 1907’s B and Primavera teams. I couldn’t be happier about a club and a project. This charming football team won my heart from the first minute, and they joined me at the right time in my career. I’ll reach out and grab it.
“So, after 20 amazing years of hard work, joy, and suffering, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful game. I loved every second of it. Cesc.”