Cesc Fabregas addresses Arsenal fans as he says goodbye to the beautiful game

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Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas announced his retirement from football last weekend.

Coming through the Barcelona ranks and signing for Arsenal at just 16-years-old, Cesc Fabregas is one of the Gunners’ best players in the clubs’ history. The Spaniard made his debut in the 2004/2005 season after injury problems in the midfield, and he quickly established himself as a regular started under Arsene Wenger.

His vision, passing, and reading of the game were one of the best around, even at that young age and he immediately became Wenger’s and the fans’ favourite. In his first full season, he made 35 appearances, scoring twice.

During his time at Arsenal, he became club captain, got the famous number four shirt number from Patrick Vieira, and won the World Cup with his national team. The Spaniard made 212 appearances in North London, scoring 35 times, before moving to Barcelona ahead of the 2011/12 season for a reported fee of €29 million plus €5 million in additional fees.

He stayed in Barcelona for three seasons, before moving to Arsenal’s rivals Chelsea in 2014, a transfer which didn’t sit well with most Arsenal fans & still doesn’t to this day. As reported later, Fabregas wanted to return to North London, however, Arsene Wenger blocked the move as he was satisfied with the options he had in midfield at the time, so Fabregas signed a contract at Stamford Bridge instead.

He stayed in England for five seasons before joining AS Monaco in January 2019, and in July 2022, he moved to Serie B team Como, in the last transfer of his career.

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On the weekend he announced that he will retire from the game and hang up his boots, but will stay at Como as a U19 coach. The former Arsenal captain has recently been doing his coaching badges at Arsenal with Jack Wilshere who is currently in charge of the Arsenal U18s side.

Cesc Fabregas stated that he is excited to start a new chapter in his career in coaching. Many legends including, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta and more said their farewells to their former teammate.

Cesc Fabregas on his retirement: “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 nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that l’I 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 3 languages and became more compassionate and wiser along my travels. I’ve lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to.”

“It’s not all sadness though as l’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.”

During his fantastic career, Fabregas made 518 appearances, scoring 81 times, winning the World Cup, winning the European Championships twice, two Premier League medals, a Europa League trophy and more.

Although some Arsenal fans didn’t forgive him after his transfer to Chelsea, there is no denying he is still a legend of the game and will be missed on the pitch.

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