Cesc Fabregas reveals next move as ex-Chelsea & Arsenal star retires from football

FT Desk

• 1 Jul 2023 19:38 BST
• 4 min read

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas has announced that he is retiring from professional football at the age of 36.

Fabregas enjoyed a glittering career that spanned the best part of two decades at the top level and trophy success in both England and Spain.

But after more than 700 games and 13 major titles he is now ready to hang up his boots, after representing Serie B side Como in what proved to be his final season as a pro in 2022-23.

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"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," Cesc wrote in a statement released on Saturday.

"From lifting the World Cup, 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.

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, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and… pic.twitter.com/Wuwj04WanB

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 1, 2023

"All those who have helped me, my team-mates, 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 became more compassionate and wiser along my travels. I lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to."

What's next for Cesc?

Fabregas also took the opportunity to confirm that he would be staying in Italy with Como, where he will get his first taste of management.

"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," he added.

"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."

The ex-Spain international made his senior debut at Arsenal, whom he joined as a teenager from the Barcelona academy.

He went on to spend eight years at the Emirates Stadium, making 303 appearances and lifting the FA Cup in 2004-05 before returning to boyhood club Barca in the summer of 2011.

Three trophy-laden seasons in Catalunya followed, while he continued to find success after returning to the Premier League with Chelsea, who won the title on two occasions with the midfielder.

At international level Cesc also featured in Spain's 2010 World Cup win and back-to-back European Championship triumphs of 2008 and 2012, winning a total of 110 caps for the Roja.