Former Spain, Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has brought the curtain down on his glittering career.
The 36-year-old, who also represented Chelsea, Monaco and Como, won titles in the Premier League and LaLiga, plus a World Cup and two European Championships for his country.
Here we take a look at Fabregas’ playing days, which included more than 700 appearances, as he steps into coaching with Como.
Arsenal
Fabregas made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2003, becoming the Gunners’ youngest player and later goalscorer, after leaving boyhood club Barcelona in a bid for more opportunities.
After failing to make a Premier League appearance in Arsenal’s invincible campaign, Fabregas started to make an impact in the heart of Arsene Wenger’s midfield and eventually became captain.
He helped Arsenal beat Manchester United to win the 2005 FA Cup on penalties, a year on from the ‘Battle of the Buffet’, when Fabregas later confessed to throwing pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford tunnel following the end of the Gunners’ 49-match unbeaten run.
Fabregas suffered disappointment in the 2006 Champions League final and the 2007 League Cup final, with Arsenal defeated by Barcelona and Chelsea respectively, before heading back to the Nou Camp in 2011.
Barcelona
After a protracted transfer saga, Fabregas’ return to Spain saw him link up with a dominant side which included the likes of Lionel Messi and international team-mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
He ended his first season with Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup victories while also helping Barca rack up 100 points to win the LaLiga title the campaign after.
Chelsea
Fabregas returned to London in 2014, signing a five-year deal with Chelsea after Arsenal turned down a first option to take him back to the club.
Jose Mourinho opted to sign Fabregas following the departure of Blues great Frank Lampard and played an integral part in a deeper midfield role, helping Chelsea win the Premier League title.
Mourinho was sacked the season after with the club eventually finishing 10th but they bounced back under Antonio Conte to win the title again the following campaign.
Fabregas left England with 111 assists, second behind Ryan Giggs’ Premier League record of 162, and 50 goals in 350 appearances.
Monaco
Fabregas fell down the pecking order under Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge and opted to link up with former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry and battle relegation at Monaco.
Henry did not last long in charge but Monaco stayed up in 17th and then later improved with ninth and third-placed finishes while Fabregas plied his trade at the club.
Como
Fabregas left Monaco at the end of his contract and joined Serie B side Como on a two-year deal, with the club’s chief executive Dennis Wise playing an integral role in securing the Spaniard’s signature.
Fabregas decided to hang up his boots 12 months into his contract and will now coach the club’s Under-19 and B sides.
Spain
Fabregas enjoyed major success with his country during 110 appearances, helping Spain dominate over a four-year period.
He played in the Euro 2008 final win over Germany, came on as a substitute in the extra-time victory over the Netherlands which secured the 2010 World Cup and was named in the team of the tournament in the Euro 2012 triumph.
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager (3+ selections at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater) is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
