It was a long career, full of ups and downs, it spanned three decades, four countries and 11 clubs, but it’s over now. Former Argentina international and Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini announced that his playing days are over.In an Instagram post, the 36-times capped Argentina defender said that he’s lived the dream but that it had to end.”Dear friends, I was immersed in a dream for 22 years but the day has come for me to wake up. Those years have given me more than I ever imagined. It was so wonderful that even bad moments now look like valuable lessons. Time flies without you even noticing and it leaves you with a burden of all the years, reminding you that everything has its expiry date.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fabricio Coloccini (@fabricio_coloccini_) Fabricio thanked all the clubs that have given him the chance to wear their colours. And the list is a long and impressive one. Including loan stints, Coloccini has represented Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, his favourite club San Lorenzo and Aldosivi in his native Argentina. His first taste of European football came with AC Milan in 1999. However, he never got a real chance to play there as the Rossoneri loaned him to San Lorenzo as well to Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villareal in Spain. His performances prompted then-top side Deportivo La Coruna to sign him on a long-term contract.After seven years of La Liga football, Coloccini was signed by Newcastle United and their legendary two-time Ballon D’Or-winning manager Kevin Keegan in 2008.”Fabricio has got tremendous experience and is a full international with Argentina, that tells you he is a player of the very highest calibre.”Friday, 18.15: (1.75) Valencia (3.70) Espanyol (5.40)Keegan would leave the Magpies just a few months later, but Coloccini was there to stay. He remained with the back and whites for eight years and was made club captain three years after joining. For five years he led the St. James’ Park club with the captain’s armband on his left arm and became a bit of a cult hero, forming a great understanding with compatriot Jonas Gutierrez. Years after his return to Argentina, Newcastle fans still occasionally sing the song in which they profess their love for the curly-haired Argentine, even offering their wives to him.Spiderman retires! Jonas beat cancer and injustice, played in the World Cup and was adored by MaradonaColoccini’s wish to take his family back to Argentina was granted by United in 2016 as the club agreed to tear up his contract and pave the way for the defender to go back to Buenos Aires to put on the shirt of San Lorenzo once more. The brave defender ended his professional career with a brief spell with Aldosivi, another club from the Argentinean capital.
Representing Argentina was always a question of pride for Coloccini. In the shirt of Albiceleste, Colo won the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship and 2004 Olympic Games football tournament. He also played in two World Cups with the senior national team, in Germany 2006 and in South Africa 2010. On the senior level, Fabricio appeared in 598 club games and another 39 for Argentina.”I’d like thanks to my colleagues, friends, family, followers for the unconditional support. Now I wish to rest, recharge and prepare 100 per cent for new goals, challenges and all my future dreams.”👏 Former Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.🏟️ 275 #NUFC appearances ⚽ 7 goals🏅 1x Premier League Team of The Year🇦🇷 All the best in your retirement, Fabricio! ©️#NUFC pic.twitter.com/VIk1crDK2V— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) December 29, 2021 We hope you’ll have just as much fun now as you had in the dream world, Colo.