Former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello announces retirement after 16-year career

Cristian Tello has announced his retirement from professional football after a 16-year career at the highest level.

The former Barcelona winger confirmed the decision in a video posted on his social media accounts, using the message to look back on the main stages of his playing career and thank the people who had supported him.

“Today is one of those difficult days for any player. The time has come to say goodbye to professional football,” Tello said in a message quoted by Catalan newspaper Sport.

Tello’s career was closely associated with Barcelona. He developed at the club after also coming through Damm and Espanyol during his formative years, and made his first-team breakthrough during the 2011-12 season under manager Pep Guardiola.

He made 86 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 20 goals. During his time at the club, Tello won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup before his spell at Camp Nou ended in 2014.

The winger then moved abroad, joining Porto and Fiorentina, before returning to Spain with Real Betis. He spent five seasons with the Andalusian club and helped them win the Copa del Rey.

Tello later continued his career with Los Angeles FC, Al-Fateh and Al-Orobah, as well as having a final spell in the United Arab Emirates.

The 35-year-old said he had never expected to be able to pursue his passion at the highest level for so long.

“In life, I could never have imagined enjoying what I love at the highest level for 16 years,” he said.

“I consider myself truly privileged,” added Tello, who also acknowledged that his career had included difficult periods. Those experiences, he said, had helped him develop and shape the person he had become.

His retirement marks the beginning of a new stage away from competitive football.

“A new, different phase of my life is beginning, without that desire to compete, but with the same happiness,” Tello said.

The former Spain international also reserved special thanks for his family, particularly his wife and two daughters.

“I am certain that without them by my side, I would not have enjoyed all of this as much. They were the driving force throughout this whole story,” he said.

Tello concluded his farewell by thanking all the clubs that had played a part in his professional career. His announcement brings the curtain down on a playing journey that lasted 16 years and included spells in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the United States and the Middle East.