Cesc Fàbregas, Spanish soccer world champion of 2010, has announced the end of his active playing career and is now working as a coach.
The 36-year-old wrote on Twitter that he would in future be in charge of the U19 and B team at the Italian second division club Como 1907, where he was under contract until the end.
The exit was not easy for the star from Catalonia. “It is very sad that the time has come to hang up my shoes,” Fàbregas wrote.
“From my first days at Barça, then Arsenal, Barça again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I have fond memories of them all,” added Fàbregas. “After 20 incredible years of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game,” wrote the Spaniard.
Change to the MLS not an issue
Fàbregas only switched from AS Monaco to Como in the second Italian division last year. In Monaco he was no longer part of the regular formation and had often been on the bench before that due to injury.
His greatest successes include winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
A move to the American Major League Soccer (MLS), which other veteran stars undertake at the end of their careers, was out of the question for Fàbregas, according to his own statement.
“MLS wasn’t in my plans, I wanted to stay in Europe where the level is higher,” he said last year.