Football fans, especially Arsenal supporters, were hit with a wave of emotions as Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Spain midfielder, announced his immediate retirement from playing to embark on a coaching career.
The 36-year-old called time on a remarkable journey that saw him lift numerous trophies and represent some of the world’s biggest clubs. Fabregas concluded his playing career at Italian side Como and will now transition into coaching, starting with the club’s youth teams.
In a heartfelt statement, the former Arsenal captain expressed his gratitude for the unforgettable moments he experienced throughout his career, from his early days at Barcelona to his stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, Monaco, and Como. He thanked everyone who played a role in his journey, including teammates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans, and his family.
Fabregas acknowledged the challenges he faced from opponents, crediting them for making him stronger.
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
The midfielder also shared his excitement about embarking on a coaching role with Como, expressing his enthusiasm for the club and its project.
Fabregas highlighted the joy he felt in learning three languages, becoming more compassionate, and gaining wisdom during his travels. After two decades of sacrifice, dedication, and joy, The midfield maestro bids farewell to the beautiful game, reflecting on the cherished memories and friendships he formed along the way.
The impact of Fabregas’ retirement goes beyond statistics and silverware. It represents the end of an era for football fans who witnessed the rise of a young prodigy at Arsenal, saw him become a star at Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi, and watched him conquer the Premier League with Chelsea.
Was still a bit young to truly appreciate Bergkamp, Henry and Vieira in their prime, so Cesc Fabregas was my first 'love' as an Arsenal fan. A gorgeous player who had brains, technique, leadership and eyes in the back of his head. Arsène Wenger personified on the pitch.
— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) July 1, 2023
The 36-year-old symbolized the essence of the game, demonstrating skill, intelligence, and an unwavering love for football. His retirement leaves a void, but his legacy as a player and now as a coach will continue to inspire future generations.
As football enthusiasts bid farewell to Cesc Fabregas, they are left with a mix of emotions. Gratitude for the joy he brought on the pitch, admiration for his achievements, and a sense of nostalgia for an era that has now passed. We as Arsenal fans have witnessed a lot of moments where the artist met his art, live at our home, The Emirates Stadium. And that is something we should always cherish.
The Arsenal Years with Cesc Fabregas.
You will be missed, but never forgotten. Once a gooner always! ❤
Credit to @iGoonerHD pic.twitter.com/v5Z2x469fx
— ＧＲＥＡＴ ＧＯＯＮＥＲ (@alexAFC__) July 1, 2023
Fabregas’ retirement serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of sporting careers and the everlasting impact players can have on the hearts and minds of fans. The beautiful game will always be enriched by the contributions of players like Cesc Fabregas, who leave an indelible mark on the sport they love.
I grew up watching Fabregas at his very best during his last few years at the Gunners. His aura was desperately missed when he left for the biggest club in the world, Barcelona.
Even though I am now a fully grown man, I will miss those times when Fabregas used to excite the hell out of me as an eight-year-old.
GOODBYE LEGEND!
Cesc Fabregas – the greatest Spaniard to ever grace the Premier League @cesc4official 🇪🇸🔴
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) July 1, 2023
Writer – Yash Bisht
Cesc Fabregas owes it all to the legendary Frenchman that tweak the entire team around him.
The legend was so disappointed he could not bring hisself to welcome Cesc back in the fold, despite the Spaniard showed he was at his peak of development, In Wenger own words, ‘of all the players who left and wanted to return, only Anelka i regrets’
They says big men makes big mistakes, want to wish you well Cesc, you are a gooner fe real.
But I don’t think that the team was not tweaked around Cesc.
Because Cesc stood out and was so dominant in that midfield it then led people to think that the team was built around him.
Goonerstar
Think the biggest shift at the time was from the traditional 4:4:2 , with Patrick Virera., to the 4:3:3, with Fabregas.
Remember the legendary Frenchman was adore for his elegance, technical prowess and a tenacious tackler slightly different from the Spaniard.
Not re-signing Cesc was a huge mistake by Wenger. He didn’t sign him because of his own grudge against him.
Glad that Fabregas went on to win the title that season.
What grudge did wenger have against Fabregas?
It always felt that Cesc was always going to go to Chelsea ahead of us. I do feel that he was just playing PR stunts the whole time and was bent on joining Chelsea as we were a joke club back then. We had no ambition and had stagnated.
Chelsea were on the high and very attractive back then.
Maybe he did not resign him because the 🐍went on strike to get back to Spain ,it didn’t work out for him ,I would hold a grudge as well .
NO ROOM FOR TRAITORS!!
As for him becoming a coach im nt so sure. He is a natural footballer a while new set of traits. i don’t think he has the analytical management quality to be successful
Maybe im wrong bt very seldom i am. Besides any club putting their fate in him will always have to be on their toes as he is now knwn as someone who chooses the bigger cheque
My advice to Como is to put a €100m release clause in his conteact. That should tie down the ‘drifter/voyager/grasshopper’.
Maybe let fabregas begun his coaching from academy teams then he he will get opportunity to coach senior players
Some time the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side.
Some times people learned from other mistakes, if a fish comes up from the bottom of the ocean claiming sharks are down there, you should believe.
Maybe if Cecs Fabregas had listened to Emmanuel petit, Helb and others he would be an Arsenal legend today
I always thought the Fab Man was a really good player, but my favorite Spanish born Arsenal player was and is Santi Cazorla.
If I had the chance to bring one of them back, it would be Cazorla, every day of the week, and twice on Sundays
Cazorla was arguable more skilled in many respects (two footed, quicker feet I suspect), but he fabregas’ speed of thought was miles ahead.
I have always thought that if fabregas was a few years older and was able to play more with the invincibles team, he’d have been rated similarly to Henry or Bergkamp – he was that good imo. RVP, similar case.
Santi was brilliant and incredibly talented, I just think he’s so likeable that it’s raised him even higher in people’s minds.