Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.
Hazard revealed his retirement from the round leather game on social media today (Tuesday).
“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer,” he stated.
The former Real Madrid player added: “I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. During my career I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates — thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.
“I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thanks to the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.”
“A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad.
“Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played,” the two-time Premier League winner further stated.
The three-time Belgian Player of the Year concluded: “Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”
Hazard started his senior career with French side, Lille in 2007 at the age of 16 and went ahead to spend five years at the club.
Upon his five-year stint at the club, he joined Chelsea for a reported fee of £32 million (32 million pounds) in 2012 – where he became more ‘popular’ amongst football fans.
Consequently, he moved to Real Madrid in the 2019/2020 season for a fee in the region of £130 million (130 million pounds) including add-ons – and struggled to replicate his Chelsea form in the Los Blancos colours.
Hazard made 635 appearances in his club career and scored 168 goals – and netted 33 times in 126 games while playing for Belgium. He had earlier announced his retirement from national team football last December.
He won 15 titles at club level including the Ligue 1 with Lille in the 2010/2011 campaign and the Coupe de France in the same season.
At Chelsea, the winger clinched the Premier League title in the 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 season. He also garnered the FA Cup (2017/2018) and League Cup (2014/2015); and the UEFA Europa League twice; 2012/2013 & 2018/2019 season respectively.
Similarly, he won the La-Liga with Real Madrid in the 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 campaign. Hazard also lifted the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Some of his individual awards at international and club level include; Belgian Sportsman of the Year (2018), UEFA Europa League Player of the Season (2018/2019), French Ligue 1 Player of the Year: (2010/2011 & 2011/2012), Premier League Player of the Season (2014/2015).
In the same vein, Hazard clinched the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and Chelsea Player of the Year four times each; Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year twice, FIFA World Cup Silver Ball (2018), PFA Young Player of the Year (2013/2014), UEFA Team of the Year (2017 and 2018), FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 in 2018 and 2019 amongst others.
