Spanish footballer Thiago Alcantara announces retirement

Spanish footballer Thiago Alcantara has ended his career and announced his retirement as a player.

Alcantara, 33, confirmed reports of his retirement in a post on X on Monday evening.

He played last season with Liverpool FC but struggled with injuries.

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

Alcantara previously played for Germany's FC Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2020, where he won a Champions League title in addition to seven German championships and four DFB Cup titles.

He also lifted the Champions League trophy in 2011 while playing with FC Barcelona.

Thiago also achieved cult status with fans in Munich because of a 2013 remark by the then-Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who demaned that Bayern pursue the midfielder on the transfer market with the slogan: "Thiago or nothing."

Bayern eventually signed the technically gifted midfielder for €25 million ($27 million).