Thiago Alcantara announces retirement; Bayern Munich pay tribute

Thiago Alcantara has announced his retirement from professional football.

The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder saw his contract at Anfield expire this summer and, despite interest in his services from Saudi Arabia, opted to call time on his career at the age of 33.

"I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it," Thiago wrote on social media.

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

"See you soon, Thiago."

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen paid tribute to the Spaniard, who managed 235 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2020.

"Goodbye Thiago, it was an honour," Dreesen said in a statement. "Thiago was a defining part of our team for seven years, and it was with him that we last won the Champions League in 2020.

"Pep Guardiola once said: 'Thiago or nothing'. After announcing his retirement, FC Bayern says: 'Thiago can do everything'.

"Thank you very much for a wonderful time together. We wish you all the best for your future. A place in our Legends team will always be reserved."

Either side of his 235 outings for Bayern, Thiago managed 100 for boyhood side Barcelona and a further 98 for Liverpool, with injuries proving particularly problematic for the former midfielder during the final spell of his career at Anfield.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD