Cesc Fabregas retires from playing to start coaching career

Fabregas will take over as coach of Como's Serie B side. Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan

Cesc Fàbregas has announced his retirement from football and will now take his first step towards coaching at Serie B side Como.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas hung up his boots at the age of 36 and will now coach Como B and the youth team. teams.

In what would become one of the greatest achievements of modern times, Fabregas made a total of 738 appearances for Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Chelsea, Monaco and Como and won 15 club and international trophies. including the first ever FIFA World Cup in Spain in almost 20 years.

Fabregas became Arsenal's youngest first team player at the age of 16 years and 177 days when he made his debut for the club in October 2003.

During that time he made 303 appearances for the Gunners. he won the FA Cup and was part of the team that finished second in the Champions League.

Fàbregas returned to Barcelona where he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey before returning to England. to join Chelsea in 2014.

In five seasons at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the FA Cup.

Fabregas won the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2015. Photo: Reuters/Alan Walter

The Spaniard made 110 appearances for his country and won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, securing Andreas Iniesta the winner in extra time in the final.

Announcing his retirement, Fabregas said: «With great sadness, the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.

“From the first days at Barça, Arsenal, Barça again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will cherish them all.

“From winning the World Cup, the Euros, to winning England and Spain and almost all European trophies, it was a journey that I will never forget.”

“Everyone who helped me, my teammates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans and my agent. For my entire family, from my parents and my sister to my wife and children, I cherish your advice, mentorship and guidance. To my opponents who tried to knock me down, thank you for making me stronger.

“It was already more than worth it, considering all the great memories and friends I made along the way.

«I also learned 3 languages ​​and became more compassionate and wiser during my travels.

«I had an experience that I never thought would even come close to a million years.

Fàbregas has played under some of the world's greatest and most successful coaches — Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Antonio Conte. going to cross the white line and start coaching Team B and Primavera in Como 1907. A club and a project that got me very excited. This charming football team won my heart from the first minute and came to me at the most opportune moment in my career. I will take it with both hands.

“So, after 20 incredible years of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it's time to say thank you and say goodbye to a great game. I loved every minute.