Fabregas announces retirement from football

Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from professional football, ending an outstanding 20-year career.

“It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots,” said Fabregas on Instagram.

“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 nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget.

“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 lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to.”

Fabregas, aged 36, will be remembered as one of the greatest players to grace the Premier League.

He graduated from Arsenal's academy, making his debut at the age of 16. To this day, only Wayne Rooney has made more appearances as a teenager in the Premier League than Fabregas's 104.

Fabregas would go on to win two Premier League titles with Chelsea.

Overall he has played 350 times in the competition, scoring 50 goals and providing 111 assists, the second-most in PL history.

Fabregas's career stats

Fabregas's honours

2x Premier League
2x FA Cup
1x League Cup
2x Community Shield
1x FIFA World Cup
2x UEFA European Championship
1x UEFA Europa League
1x UEFA Super Cup
1x FIFA Club World Cup
1x LaLiga
1x Spanish Cup
2x Spanish Super Cup

Everyone at the Premier League wishes Fabregas the best of luck in his future endeavours.