Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Cesc Fabregas in a heartfelt message after announcing his retirement.
On Saturday, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder confirmed he would retire at the age of 36.
Fabregas and Messi first played together as children at La Masia and then teamed up to win LaLiga togetherCredit: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images
Fabregas started his career at Barcelona’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2003.
It was here that he first met Lionel Messi and developed a friendship that only cemented when they met again when Fabregas returned to Barcelona in 2011.
The pair remain close to this day, which prompted Messi to post a tribute to his boyfriend on Instagram after announcing his retirement.
Messi’s comment read: “You already know how many good things we think of you and your family @CescF4bregas.”
“You are a stunner and we will continue to share many moments together.”
“We love you very much and wish you all the best for your new stage friend!!! Huge hug.”
Fabregas announced his retirement in his own Instagram post.
He said: “It is with great sadness that it is time for me to hang up my football boots.”
“From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will cherish them all.”
“From winning the World Cup and Euros to winning England and Spain and almost every European trophy, it has been a journey I will never forget.”
“Everyone who helped me, my teammates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans and my agent.”
“To my entire family, from my parents and sister to my wife and children, I appreciate your advice, mentoring and guidance.
“Thank you to my opponents who tried to knock me down for making me stronger. It has already been more than worth it with all the great memories and friends made along the way.”
“I have also learned three languages and have become more compassionate and wise as I travel.
“I’ve had experiences I never thought I’d even come close to experiencing in a million years.
“It’s not just sad though as I will now cross the white line and start coaching the Como 1907 B and Primavera teams. A club and a project I couldn’t look forward to anymore.”
“This charming football team captured my heart from the first minute and came to me at the perfect time in my career. I’ll grab her with both hands.”
“After 20 incredible years of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game.”
“I enjoyed every minute. Cesc.”
Not all messages on the site express the site’s point of view, but we automatically transmit and translate these messages through programmatic technology on the site and not by a human editor
2023-07-01 19:38:37
#love #Lionel #Messi #sends #emotional #heartfelt #message #Cesc #Fabregas #announcing #Arsenal #Chelsea #stars #retirement
