Former Arsenal and Chelsea player quits football after 20 years

Former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea player, Cesc Fabregas has announced his decision to call it quits on football after 20 years.

Cesc Fabregas decided to hang his boots at his final in the Serie B with Como football club where he will take up the managerial role at the club. The Spaniard announced the news of his retirement on his official social media account on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

"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, and 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 three languages and become 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."

Fabregas started his professional career at Arsenal and made his first-team debut in 2003 at the age of 16, he was the club's youngest-ever player during that period. He went on to have over 300 appearances for the Gunners.

The youngster moved back to his boyhood club in 2011 where it all started, he played for three years winning the La Liga under Pep Guardiola.

Fabregas returned to England and signed for Chelsea where the Premier League title for the first time under Jose Mourinho, he also won it again under Antonio Conte.

He made a trip to France in January 2019 and signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Monaco.