Former Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara ‘set to retire from football’

• Thiago departed Liverpool last month following the expiration of his contract 
• The midfielder played just five minutes of football in 2023-24 due to injuries 
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Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is reportedly set to retire from professional football. 

The 33-year-old departed Anfield after four years last month following the expiration of his contract. 

Thiago was hampered by injuries last season and made just one appearance for the Reds, who decided not to renew his deal. 

The midfielder has now decided to call time on his career rather than look for a new club, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

Thiago has had a career to remember having won multiple titles with European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool. 

He started his career with the Catalan side where he won four LaLiga titles, the Champions League and Copa del Rey. 

Thiago then joined Bayern in 2013 and would go on to enjoy even more success in Germany, winning seven Bundesliga titles. 

The Spanish midfielder played an instrumental role as Bayern won the Champions League in 2020 before joining Liverpool for £20million shortly after. 

Injuries were a constant problem for Thiago during his time in Merseyside but he displayed his quality when injury free. 

In his first three seasons at Liverpool he made 97 appearances and helped guide the club to a FA Cup triumph in 2021-22. 

However, he managed just five minutes last term due to a hip and muscle injuries and was given an emotional farewell alongside Jurgen Klopp and Joel Matip. 

Speaking at the end of the season, Klopp said: ‘Before he even came to Liverpool I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play.

‘Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us.

‘I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.

‘From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is “Wow”. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.

‘I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.’