Who said what: Xavi, Xabi Alonso and other football legends react as Thiago Alcantara announces retirement

Footballing legends were full of praise for Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara in response to his Instagram post announcing his retirement from the sport. The 33-year-old made the announcement on Monday (July 8), much to the surprise of his colleagues, fans and media alike.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool were the only three clubs that Alcantara played for in a stellar 15-year career. He was widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.

However, he was severely injury-prone, which limited his game time throughout his career, eventually leading to an early retirement. The post announcing his departure from the game read:

"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, Thiago."

The comments section of the post was filled with footballing legends applauding the Spaniard's storied career.

Former Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer wrote:

"Amazing career."

Barcelona legend Xavi wrote (in Spanish, translated to English):

"Congratulations on your great career. Enjoy (with) the family now."

Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Spanish defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso wrote:

"Grande (great) Thia!!!"

Bayern icon Philipp Lahm wrote:

"Wishing you all the best."

Former Manchester United shotstopper David de Gea wrote:

"What a player!"

Ex-Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets wrote (in Spanish translated to English):

"What a privilege to have shared so much with you."

Real Madrid defender David Alaba, formerly of Bayern, wrote:

"What a career."

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson wrote:

"What a player, what a career! Enjoy retirement my friend."

Ex-Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata wrote:

"Great (career)! Huge hug and thank you."

Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus simply commented a couple of emojis - a magician's wand and a hat, referencing the near-magical skill displayed by Alcantara on the pitch.

Technically exquisite, physically blighted - Thiago Alcantara's career was a rollercoaster

The son of Brazilian great Mazinho, Thiago Alcantara graduated from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and made his senior debut in 2009. He spent four years with the Catalan giants, bagging 11 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances and lifting 12 trophies along the way.

The next step in the 33-year-old's career was a move to German giants Bayern Munich for a reported €25 million. He enjoyed the most successful period in his career with the Bavarians, racking up 31 goals and 37 assists in 235 games across all competitions.

He helped them win seven straight Bundesliga titles (2014-20) and was a member of their historic sextuple-winning campaign in 2020.

Liverpool signed a 29-year-old Alcantara, entering the prime of his career, for a reported €22 million in 2020. However, he could never string together a run of appearances due to a slew of recurring lower body injuries to the hip, hamstring, calf, and knee.

He was no stranger to being sidelined due to knocks, having missed nearly 70 games for Barca and over 150 games for Bayern already. Yet, the problems were increasingly magnified at Liverpool, as he missed a staggering 130 games in just four seasons.

Although Alcantara enjoyed an accomplished career, fans and media are still contemplating the heights he could have reached if he had stayed healthy throughout.