Thiago’s Liverpool Stint “One Of The Best Times Of My Life”
The newly retired midfield maestro was on hand as Liverpool lost to Nottingham Forest, and took a moment to reflect on his time as a Red.
Thiago Alcantara spent his entire career playing for squads competing for, and winning, trophies. The classy midfielder spent four of those seasons at Liverpool, though unfortunately his time was marred by several injuries. After announcing his retirement from football this past summer, Thiago returned to Anfield as a spectator as the Reds dropped a frustrating result to Nottingham Forest. He took some time to reflect on his career and time as a Liverpool player, noting that his time on Merseyside was some of the best time of his career.
“It’s always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan. I had the fortune – life gave me the chance – to be here for four years as a football player. I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well. Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It’s a pretty good time to be here.”
Thiago also opened up on his decision to officially leave the game as a competitive player, unsurprisingly due to his body just not being able to hold up anymore. He did say he is still stepping out onto the pitch to play with friends, however.
“I miss being around – being around the team and the locker room. I miss the competitive part of the game. But at the end, the decision [to retire] was forced by physical issues. But I’m just keeping fit and trying to play as much as I can with my friends, and trying to be alive in the game.”
The cerebral midfielder always seemed likely to make the jump into the coaching ranks when he finished his playing days. He wasted no time after announcing his retirement, immediately moving to a short internship over the summer with Barcelona to gain some experience. He is excited to pass on his knowledge to a new generation of players.
“Well, at the end I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona. I decided for the practical part, not for the theory – just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team. I just want to pass it through to other players. I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach. It was pretty good spirits.”
Thiago is also adjusting to life outside of being a competitive player. He is enjoying having more time to be around his family as he explores options.
“Yeah, you just get to know this side of life because since we were young we didn’t have more time for ourselves to know how life is more at home. But also to be close to football, still doing analysis, coaching some boys and also living the game as well as a fan.”
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
Post a Comment