Midfielder Thiago Alcântara announced his retirement from football on Monday, at the age of 33, on social media. The player ends his professional career as one of the best in his position in recent history, but has been hampered by physical problems over the last few seasons.
“I will always be willing to give back what was given to me and I am grateful for the time I enjoyed. Thank you, football. And to everyone who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon,” wrote the Spanish-Brazilian player.
Thiago was born in Italy, where his father, Mazinho, played. He was a world champion with the national team in the 1994 World Cup. He is also the brother of midfielder Rafinha Alcântara.
Thiago had been without a club since the end of June, after his contract with Liverpool expired, having announced a month earlier that it would not renew his contract for next season.
The Brazilian-born Spanish international arrived at Anfield in 2020 after a successful career at Bayern Munich (2013-2020). Before that, he played for Barcelona, where he made his debut in the Spanish First Division in 2009.
With these big European football clubs on his resume, Thiago managed to accumulate major titles, including two Champions Leagues (with Barça in 2011 and with Bayern in 2020).
With the Spanish national team, he has made 46 appearances since his debut in 2011. He missed the 2012 Euros and the 2014 World Cup due to injuries, but took part in the continental tournament in 2021 and the World Cup in 2018.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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