Former Barca Top Talent Ends Career
The Spanish winger once debuted under Pep Guardiola at FC Barcelona.
Former Barcelona professional Cristian Tello has hung up his boots at the age of 35.
The winger, who had been without a club since the start of the year, announced his departure in an emotional Instagram post to his fans and the football world.
Titles in Spain and the USA
Tello's career began in FC Barcelona's famous academy, "La Masia". The home-grown talent made his professional debut in November 2011 under legendary coach Pep Guardiola, for whom he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 86 competitive matches.
With Barça, Tello won the Spanish championship, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa in 2013. After loan spells at FC Porto and AC Fiorentina, he made a permanent move to Real Betis in 2017, where he played the most games of his career with 172 appearances.
He also celebrated great success with the Seville club, winning the Spanish Cup in 2022. Afterwards, he moved to Los Angeles FC, with whom he won the MLS Cup, before winding down his career in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Grateful Words on Farewell
"Football has given me everything. It has allowed me to fulfill dreams that once seemed impossible and to meet people I will carry in my heart forever," Tello wrote in his farewell post. "I was lucky enough to wear jerseys that mean a lot to me."
In total, Tello looks back on 512 professional appearances with 91 goals, as well as one international cap for Spain.
"I leave with the certainty of having given everything for this sport, and with great pride in the path I have traveled," said the now-retired footballer.
