da blaze casino： Thiago Alcantara has confirmed reports of his retirement from football at the age of 33, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder tipped for Barcelona role.

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Thiago officially hangs up bootsReleased by Liverpool last monthTipped to join Barcelona coaching staffWHAT HAPPENED?

After an injury-hit season in which he played just a handful of minutes for Liverpool and was released at the end of his contract last month, Thiago took to the day after speculation about his impending retirement exploded. But he made it clear not to expect any sort of lengthy absence from the game.

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had already reported that Thiago is in talks to join Barcelona's coaching staff under Hansi Flick. The former Barca player, who graduated La Masia and made 101 first-team appearances, speaks German from seven years with Bayern Munich, where also played under Flick.

WHAT THIAGO SAID

Thiago said: "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."

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO?

Nothing is finalised regarding a possible return to Barcelona, but Flick started work on Monday ahead of pre-season training getting underway on Wednesday, so it could all happen quite quickly if an agreement can be reached between the parties.