Spain's Thiago Alcantara retires from football

By Can Erozden

Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara retired from football on Monday after leaving English team Liverpool.

"I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it," the 33-year-old said on X.

"Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon.”

In his career, Thiago played for Spain's Barcelona, Germany's Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.

He helped his teams win the UEFA Champions League twice: the 2011 title with Barcelona, and 2020 with Bayern Munich.

Thiago, the son of former Brazil winger Mazinho, also secured many national titles with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

In the 2023-24 season, Thiago suffered a hip injury and could not return to the game until February. But then, playing against Arsenal, he faced a muscle injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season.

He racked up 46 international appearances for Spain.