Thiago Alcantara announces retirement from football after leaving Liverpool
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has announced his retirement from football via his social media accounts.
The 33-year-old has hung his boots after 438 appearances, bagging 48 goals and 63 assists across spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.
Alcantara retired after a long battle with hip and knee issues. It was particularly persistent last season, reducing him to only one Premier League appearance for the Merseyside club. He left the club as a free agent at the end of June.
He won the Champions League (2x), La Liga (4), Copa del Rey (1), Supercopa de Espana (1), UEFA Super Cup (1), Club World Cup (2), Bundesliga (7), DFB-Pokal (4), DFL-Supercup (1), and FA Cup (1).
The Spain international also registered 46 games for the national team, bagging two goals. He won titles during his time with the youth teams.
Alcantara made 98 appearances for the Reds, registering three goals and six assists including that spectacular strike against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League.
Alcantara wrote (on Twitter): “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.”
Per reports in Spain, Alcantara has been offered a coaching role on Hansi Flick’s backroom staff at Barcelona.
Liverpool are stacked in midfield, but new manager Arne Slot will want to bring in a replacement for the departing maestro.
The Dutch coach could have an eye on compatriot Teun Koopmeiners. The Reds have reportedly accelerated their pursuit of the Atalanta midfielder, who he worked with at AZ Alkmaar.
Koopmeiners enjoyed a stellar season with La Dea, contributing 15 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances in all competitions.
He played a pivotal role as Atalanta won the Europa League, defeating unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in a stunning final performance.
Liverpool have also been credited with interest in Bayern Munich man Joshua Kimmich, who is more stylistically similar to Alcantara.
Kimmich is open to leaving the Allianz Arena this summer after a much-criticised campaign in Bavaria.
He can be a marquee addition for the Reds, although the club may not be ready to shell out the sum required to sign him.