Former Barcelona and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas announces his retirement from football

Former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has confirmed his immediate retirement from football.

Fabregas, 36, revealed that he would be hanging up his playing boots and calling an end to his illustrious 22-year-long career via a statement on his Twitter page.

The former Spanish international - who also played for Arsenal, Monaco and Como - won two Premier League's, two European Championships, a Champions League title, and a World Cup before retiring.

He revealed that he's now set his sets on coaching Como's B team and insists he 'couldn't be more excited' about the project.

In his statement he said: '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 I’ll 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 lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to.

'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.

'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. Cesc'.

Fabregas began his career at Barcelona's academy, La Masia, but struggled for first-team opportunities and moved to Arsenal in September 2003.

It was during his time with the Gunners where Fabregas' skills truly developed, as he quickly became a vital part of Arsene Wenger's side.

During his eight seasons in north London, the Spaniard made 303 appearances and, along the way, earned the club captaincy.

Despite claiming an FA Cup with Arsenal, Fabregas was destined for bigger and better things and, in August 2011, sealed a return to Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.

For three years, Fabregas played his role within one of football's finest teams which featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all coached by Pep Guardiola.

He made 151 appearances for the Catalan side and picked up a LaLiga, Copa del Rey and two SuperCopa's during that time.

It was also around this time where Spain asserted their dominance on the international scene, with Fabregas being a key feature.

The midfielder played a role in their 2008 and 2012 Euros successes, while winning the 2010 World Cup in between.

In 2014, Fabregas pushed for an exit from Barcelona and, in turn, sealed a move to Chelsea for £30million.

During five seasons he made 198 appearances and was an integral role in their title winning sides under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte in 2014-15 and 2016-17.

He left Chelsea in 2019 for Monaco where he spent four years before joining Como.