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Thiago Alcantara (Source: X)
Thiago Alcantara took retirement from football when his contract with Liverpool expired. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was limited to just one appearance in the 2023-24 season due to injuries. Thiago underwent hip surgery at the end of the 2022-23 season but did not return until February 2024, when he came on as a late replacement in a defeat to Arsenal and sustained another injury.
As per BBC, Thiago Alcantara said, "I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time, I have enjoyed it," he posted on social media. "Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person."
I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it.
— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) July 8, 2024
Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way.
See you soon,
Thiago. pic.twitter.com/wtMxmF6z9L
The 33-year-old departed Liverpool after his contract ended last month, citing an injury-plagued tenure at Anfield as the reason for his retirement. He made 98 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side, winning the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, but he only played six minutes in the Premier League last season owing to a recurring hip injury.
A Barcelona academy product
The skilled midfielder progressed through the acdmey at Barcelona, making his debut in 2009 at 18. He began to establish himself in the team in 2010-11 when Pep Guardiola led Barcelona to La Liga and the Champions League victory. Thiago won another Spanish title, the Club World Cup, and the Copa del Rey in the next two seasons before joining Bayern for €25 million in 2013.
During his seven seasons with Bayern Munich, he won the Bundesliga, four German Cups, the Club World Cup, and the Champions League in 2020. Following his Champions League victory, he moved to Liverpool for £20 million, but although occasionally dazzling Klopp's midfield, injuries plagued him during his time there.
Thiago was born in Italy while his father, former Brazil winger Mazinho, was playing for Lecce. He joined Barcelona at the age of 14 and represented Spain 46 times between 2011 and 2021.