Thiago has revealed that his final appearance for Liverpool was an unexpected decision which ended after five minutes with a hamstring injury, prompting him to cry during and after the match.
Speaking to journalist David Ornstein in an interview with The Athletic, the former Spain international said team doctor’s advice was that he should not play against Arsenal. However, manager Jurgen Klopp asked whether he wanted to travel with the squad because he could have a positive influence as both a player and a member of the team.
Thiago was on the bench when he was asked if he wanted to come on.
“I said, ‘Since I’m here, of course I do,’” he said.
He was not prepared for the demands of a match and had never suffered a hamstring injury during his career.
“After five minutes, I pulled my hamstring,” Thiago said. “I knew this meant my career was over because I had been struggling with injuries for a long time.”
He said it took time to come to terms with what had happened.
“I cried during the game and after the game,” he added. “But then, as we discussed before, you need to make peace with yourself.”
Thiago, who has also played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich, said he was not concerned that the idea of “beautiful football” was disappearing. He believes talented players can still transform matches, while their absence is felt when they are not available.
He also pointed to the growing use of analytical tools by coaches, as well as the increasing importance of set pieces in England and around the world. In Spain, he said, teams traditionally place greater emphasis on open play and what happens once the ball is in motion.
Asked which sides he enjoys watching, Thiago praised Barcelona’s proactive approach and Arsenal’s organisation. He also highlighted Aston Villa’s progress under Unai Emery, describing the manager as “very intelligent”.
Manchester City, he said, consistently finds small spaces, while Bayern Munich is playing “really well”. Thiago added that he particularly likes Luis Diaz, whom he played with at Liverpool and who now plays for Bayern Munich. He also listed Paris Saint-Germain among Europe’s strongest teams, alongside Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal.
Thiago identified Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden as outstanding young English players, while noting that all remain young. In Spain, he singled out Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi and Gavi, and in France he named Doue and Barcola as players capable of changing games.
Reflecting on his own introduction to Barcelona’s first team at about 18, Thiago said young players can put too much pressure on themselves to play immediately. His advice is to embrace opportunities, continue improving and learn when circumstances are beyond their control.
The interview is the third part of an exclusive discussion covering Thiago’s career, injuries, coaching and his views on Hansi Flick, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. After recalling his Liverpool farewell, he joked that he then moved on to the padel court, before adding: “Life goes on.”
