Thiago Alcantara, the renowned midfielder who plied his trade for Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, has officially declared his retirement from professional football.
Aged 33, this Spanish footballer, son of World Cup winner Mazinho and sibling of Rafinha, has amassed an impressive track record of 534 senior appearances, netting 50 goals, and clinching 22 major titles throughout his tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Thiago expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the enriching experiences he has had in football, stating, “I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it. Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon, Thiago.”
Following a challenging season marked by injuries, during which he saw limited action for Liverpool and subsequently departed upon the expiration of his contract, Thiago addressed the swirling rumors about his retirement the following day. Nevertheless, he underlined that he does not anticipate an extended hiatus from the game.
Reports from Jijantes had already suggested that Thiago is in talks to join Barcelona’s coaching staff under Hansi Flick. Having honed his skills at La Masia and accumulated 101 first-team appearances with the club, Thiago’s fluency in German, cultivated during his seven-year stint with Bayern Munich under Flick’s tutelage, positions him as a strong contender for such a role.
While no conclusive decision has been made regarding a likely return to Barcelona, Flick commenced his duties on Monday in preparation for the impending pre-season training, set to kick off on Wednesday. Hence, any developments concerning Thiago’s involvement with the club could materialize swiftly if an agreement is struck between the relevant parties.
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