Thiago, the talented midfielder, is set to announce his retirement after spending 15 years at the top level of professional football. The 33-year-old recently left Liverpool after a four-year stint, during which he struggled with injuries, making only one appearance across all competitions.
Liverpool decided not to offer Thiago a contract extension, allowing him to explore opportunities with other clubs. However, it seems that journalist Fabrizio Romano has taken away Thiago’s chance to announce his retirement himself. Romano broke the news on his social media platforms, stating that Thiago “has decided to retire from professional football” and is now “ready for a new chapter in football after a few months of planning for it.”
Several teams in Saudi Arabia, Spain, and England were linked with Thiago, and there were even rumors of Barcelona considering him for a coaching role. However, it now appears that Thiago will retire earlier than expected, which is unfortunate considering his immense talent and the numerous setbacks he has faced throughout his career.
Thiago’s technical ability on the field was truly exceptional, making him a joy to watch during his time at Anfield. However, his frequent injuries prevented fans from fully experiencing his brilliance. Before joining Liverpool, Thiago played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, winning a total of 25 honors. He also represented Spain on 46 occasions, with his last international appearance coming at Euro 2020 in 2021.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had hoped that Thiago would continue playing, expressing his admiration for the midfielder. Klopp acknowledged the frustrations caused by injuries but praised the remarkable level of play Thiago displayed when he was available. He wished Thiago and his family well as they embark on a new journey.
Regardless of where Thiago goes next, Klopp expressed his eagerness to watch him play. He described Thiago as an “artist of the game” who creates beautiful moments on the field. Thiago’s retirement marks the end of an era for football fans who had the privilege of witnessing his skills and contributions to the sport.