'Time has come for me...' - Former Barcelona, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football 

Cesc Fabregas (Source: Twitter)

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has decided to bring down the curtain on an illustrious 20-year career. Fabregas, who made his debut at the age of 16 for Arsenal, announced his retirement from all forms of football on Saturday, June 1. The 36-year-old had previously played for Chelsea and Monaco and was now on a two-year contract with Italian second-division club Como.

The 2010 World Cup winner posted an emotional note on social media, letting fans know it was time to hang up his boots. “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots,” Fabregas wrote 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," he added.

Fabregas quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's best playmakers during his eight seasons at Arsenal and even captained the 2005 FA Cup champions. He left the Gunners in 2011 and moved to Barcelona for three years, winning six trophies with them. His next spell was with Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles and his second FA Cup.

However, he cherishes his moments with Spain more, making 110 appearances and playing a crucial role in their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012. His assist in extra time that ended in a goal during the 2010 World Cup final vs the Netherlands will also be remembered as a major accomplishment for the Spaniard.

Fabregas to begin his coaching career at Como

Fabregas’s last season was in the Italian second-tier Serie B with Como, where he will begin his second innings as a coach. "It’s not all sadness though as I’m now going to cross the white line and start coaching the B and Primavera (youth) teams of Como 1907. A club and a project I couldn’t be more excited about,” he said.

“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," Fabregas concluded.