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"Bye, soccer player"
Timeless genius midfielder Thiago Alcantara came to an end in his 15-year professional career at the age of 33. Thiago said on his personal channel on the 9th (Korea time) "I return what I received. And I'm grateful for the time I enjoyed them"Football, and I'm grateful to everyone who's been with me and made me a better player and person. See you soon. Thiago," he wrote in his retirement speech.
He also shared four photos that represent him, including a picture of him playing with his father (Brazilian legend Majinho) as a child, a picture of him wearing a Barcelona uniform like his younger brother Rafaela, a picture of him celebrating his scoring with the Spanish national team captain's armband, a picture of him lying side by side with the European Champions League trophy in Bayern Munich, and a picture of him attempting a mid-range shot that will be talked about in Liverpool.
The soccer community lamented Thiago's early retirement, while applauding Thiago for his fantastic career. Jan-Christian Dresen, the CEO of Bayern Munich, who was "Kim Min-jae's team" and Thiago's body in the past, said on the club's official website, "Hello Thiago, it was an honor to be with you." Thiago has been at the heart of our team for seven years, and was the main player in the Champions League, which we last won in 2020. Pep Guardiola (Man City) once said this. 'It must be Thiago.' After Thiago announced his retirement, our club would like to say this. 'Thiago could do anything. Thank you for your good time with us, and I wish you the future. The Munich Legends team is always waiting for you," he wrote.
Thiago is the son of Brazilian legend Majinho, who was born in Italy and went on to pursue a youth career in Brazil. Thiago, who moved to Barcelona's youth team in 2005 in recognition of his natural talent, played with Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Andrés Iniesta (Emirates) from 2009 to 2013, winning almost all trophies, including four in Spain's Primera Liga and one in the European Champions League. He gained a reputation as one of the few techniques in world football. Thiago, who moved to Munich in 2013, played seven seasons, winning seven German Bundesliga titles and one Champions League title. He has won 27 trophies, including the FA Cup lifted by Liverpool, which he joined in 2020. Since joining Liverpool, he has not been able to perform due to continuous injuries.
Meanwhile, Thiago is expected to quickly return to football after announcing his retirement. Spanish media Sport reported that new Barcelona coach Han Ji-flick wants Thiago to be included in his coaching staff. Thiago has worked with Flick for nearly a year in Munich.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
