Ex-Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara wanted by European giants as part of coaching staff just hours after announcing retirement: Reports

European giants Barcelona are interested in making former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara a part of their coaching staff. This report came mere hours after the 33-year-old Spaniard retired.

He notably began his career at Barcelona, where he played 100 games for their first team and 54 games for their Atletic squad. He then moved to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013, spending seven seasons and winning numerous trophies with the German giants.

After his stint at Allianz Arena, Thiago switched to Liverpool, where he regularly struggled with injuries and only played 98 games from 2020 to 2024. After a season where he played merely five minutes in one Premier League game against Arsenal, he decided to retire. The midfielder took to Instagram, posting:

"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."

According to a report from SPORT (via Daily Mail), Barcelona wants Thiago to return to Camp Nou in a non-playing role. Manager Hansi Flick allegedly wants the midfielder in his coaching setup. The former Liverpool midfielder has strong international and club experience, and he is said to be considering the Blaugrana's offer in a positive light.

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Liverpool legend turned down opportunities with other European giants to stay at club

While Thiago Alcantara struggled to cement his status as a Liverpool legend, one midfielder who certainly did well was Steven Gerrard. The 44-year-old spent the vast majority of his career at Anfield, only leaving for MLS club LA Galaxy in the final two years of his playing career.

He said that during his rise as one of England's best midfielders, clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid were interested in his services. In an interview with MBC Masr 2, the legend spoke about his playing years, sharing (via Anfield Index):

“I had offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea. But my heart was always with Liverpool. I have never regretted that decision. If I could go back in time, I would do the same."

Now, Gerrard manages Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, where he has notably coached his former teammate, Jordan Henderson, who left Anfield for the Middle East. However, the new signing struggled to adapt and eventually left for Ajax in the Netherlands.