Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder posted an emotional statement on social media.

He said: "It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.

"From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.

"From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I'll never forget."

Fabregas made 739 first-team club appearances, registered 217 assists, 125 goals and lifted 17 trophies.

He earned his debut for Arsenal at 16 and would go on to spend eight seasons at the club, lifting an FA Cup in 2004-05 before moving to Barcelona in the summer of 2011.

In three years with the Blaugrana, he won a LaLiga title, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup.

The Spaniard then returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, winning the title twice, the FA Cup and a League Cup for the Blues.

He also made 110 appearances for Spain, winning back-to-back European Championships and the World Cup.

Fabregas will now turn to coach at Serie B club Como — where he played 17 matches last season.

He said: "It's not all sadness though as I'm now going to cross the white line and start coaching the B and Primavera teams of Como 1907. A club and a project I couldn't be more excited about. 

"This charming football team won my heart from the first minute and came to me at the perfect time in my career. I will grab it with both hands. 

"So after 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it's time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game."