Thiago Alcantara breaks silence on retirement with message to Liverpool fans

Liverpool had known for a while that Thiago Alcantara would be leaving upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. But yesterday's news that he will retire from the game altogether has come as a shock, and the midfielder has now issued a statement .

The Spanish midfielder joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020, having just helped his old club claim the Champions League title. His arrival was met with much fanfare at Anfield , as the Reds secured a truly marquee name.

But his time at Liverpool was ultimately marred by injury, as he made one solitary appearance in his final campaign. The 33-year-old has duly decided to hang up his boots.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Koopmeiners price tag confirmed, Kvaratskhelia tipped for move, Gordon hope

READ MORE: Teun Koopmeiners asking price revealed as Liverpool remains favorite for transfer

A product of the Barcelona academy, Thiago showed his immense quality in flashes at Liverpool, managing 24 and then 25 Premier League appearances in his first two seasons. An orchestrator in midfield, he always seemed to understand the game that little bit quicker than those around him, encapsulated by his flawless debut against Chelsea so soon after signing.

Focus will now inevitably turn to what comes next. There are clear parallels with Xabi Alonso, given that Thiago has also worked under plenty of elite coaches, and he seems to have all the tools to succeed in that capacity.

Speaking for the first time since the news broke, Thiago sent a message to Liverpool fans and others who have been a part of his journey. He posted to Instagram:

"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."

He then signed off with his name. Accompanying the post were a series of images from his career, including his time at Liverpool.

Having shared a snap from his younger days, training with father and Brazil international Mazinho, he added pictures from his three professional teams: Barcelona, Bayern Munich and then Liverpool. For the Anfield section, he chose a snapshot of his glorious goal against Porto, which seemed to skim millimeters above the grass before settling in the corner.

Ending the gallery was a collage showing Thiago with some of the many trophies he has collected over the years. He won the FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield with Liverpool.

Liverpool.com says: What a player Thiago has been over the years. Inevitably, there will always be a sense of what could have been at Liverpool, but Anfield was lucky to witness flashes of his immense quality over his four-year spell.

Such an intelligent footballer, it's very exciting to think about his next chapter. Who knows, perhaps we'll see him back at Liverpool one day in a different capacity.