Cesc Fabregas has hung up his boots following a glittering career.
The former Barcelona midfielder, 36, played more than 800 senior games and won 15 trophies, including the World Cup, two Premier League titles, the LaLiga title and two Euros. He also played for two of England's biggest clubs in Arsenal and Chelsea.
Very few players have achieved success for both Arsenal and Chelsea, leaving many fans wondering which club Fabregas preferred playing for. The Spaniard has always sat on the fence when asked for his preference, but he almost fell of it in April 2020.
As the Covid pandemic forced millions of people to stay at home, Fabregas and his daughter spoke to fans on an Instagram Q&A. He asked his daughter: "From all the clubs that I've played for, which one is your favourite?" Her response was very interesting.
Fabregas' daughter replied: "Chelsea." Blues fans immediately jumped on that by sharing a screenshot and the quotes from the Q&A across other social media platforms, including Twitter. One Twitter account claimed: "Cesc is proper Chels [Chelsea]."
Knowing a lot of Arsenal fans would be annoyed by the Q&A, Fabregas replied to that Twitter account. He wrote: "To be fair, I asked her, 'From all the clubs that I've played for, which one is your favourite?' At Arsenal, she wasn't born. At Barcelona, she was only one.
"She lived in London with me at Chelsea for five years, coming to every game and wearing all the shirts... [it's] a bit of an easy answer."
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When someone else challenged Fabregas, he added: "I'm just saying exactly what happened, that's all. [I've] been so happy everywhere I've been with ups and lows. Why the obsession to always have to pick one? She is only six and loved it at Chelsea. Bless her."
As well as Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, Fabregas also played for Monaco and Como. The midfielder was a Monaco player at the time of the Q&A and joined Italian minnows Como in August 2022 for the final season of his successful career.
Fabregas announced his retirement on Saturday afternoon. The news was a surprise, as Fabregas still had another year to run on his Como contract. He tweeted: "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."
In a lengthy tweet, Fabregas also wrote: "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."
