Thiago Alcantara may have departed Liverpool FC and announced his retirement from football, but his impact on the city will endure.

The talented midfielder spent four seasons under Jurgen Klopp's management before departing following the expiration of his contract this summer. Reports today confirmed Thiago's decision to retire from professional football altogether.

Nevertheless, Liverpool, the city he called home for four years, will not soon forget him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will benefit young people. As reported by the ECHO in February 2023, Thiago visited the Greenhouse Project Early Years Education Centre (GHP) in Toxteth a few years ago, where something caught his attention.

The charity provides opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to nurture their creative potential and improve their life chances. At the time, there was a playground at the centre that urgently needed refurbishment.

Paul Khan, chair of GHP, recalled, "It was in a sorry state. Fortunately, Thiago took notice during a photoshoot and inquired about the situation. When we explained it was an education centre, he pledged to fundraise to enhance the facility for the children." A fundraiser held at the Hope Street Hotel successfully raised £37,500, an impressive sum.

The fundraising efforts were coordinated through the Alcantara Family Foundation, led by Thiago's wife, Julia Vigas. Additional contributions from the LFC Foundation enabled the construction and installation of a brand new play area, facilitated by ESP Play.

In February 2023, Thiago and Julia inaugurated the renovated playground alongside Matt Parish, CEO of the LFC Foundation. Reflecting on their charitable endeavours, Thiago shared with the ECHO, "As we've always emphasised through our foundation's work, we feel it's important to be actively involved in the communities where we reside. Choosing Liverpool was deliberate; we wished to leave a tangible part of ourselves here."

"Our aim has always been to support children, providing them with the best opportunities and environment to thrive. It's about creating pathways for their personal growth and enabling them to achieve their fullest potential."