Belgian footballer Eden Hazard has retired from professional football after a 16-year-long career filled with greatness and magical moments, the 32-year-old announced on Instagram on Tuesday.
The former Chelsea attacker had been without a club for four months after leaving Real Madrid as he came to an agreement with the club to end his contract mutually.
Hazard won 16 trophies in his marvellous career with three different clubs, including the UEFA Champions League (UCL), La Liga and Premier League twice.
Hazard’s most memorable time was spent in the PL where he represented Chelsea for seven years and took the English league by storm. The 32-year-old was the best player in that league for years.
After that, he joined Real Madrid in the 2019 summer transfer window which was the biggest signing of that time.
Despite having a poor start to his Madrid career, the Belgian footballer turned things around by working on his fitness and slowly became a key player of Madrid's then-manager Zinedine Zidane's system.
But the ankle injury he sustained in November 2019 against Paris Saint-Germain in UCL slowly ruined his career with the Whites as the 32-year-old never managed to get back to his best and continued his struggle with the same injury till June 2023, the time he left the club.
Hazard’s international career was also excellent, especially his 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign where he led Belgium to the tournament’s semi-final.
On his Instagram account, the Chelsea legend wrote a heartfelt message and bid goodbye to the sport he loved and enjoyed the most.
“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,” Hazard wrote on Instagram.
“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.
“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.
“Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”
