Former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward, Eden Hazard, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.
Hazard, who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea, announced his retirement in a statement on his social media accounts on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
The Belgium international was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2015.
The former Chelsea star stated: “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.
“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 thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.
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“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.”
Eden Hazard had, in December 2022, retired from international football, days after the team crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage.
The former Real Madrid forward made his Belgium debut in 2008 as a teenager and collected a total of 126 caps, scoring 33 goals.
He was the standard-bearer of Belgium’s much-vaunted “golden generation”, which reached the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Eden Hazard, who was the team’s skipper, made a surprise admission during the tournament in Qatar, saying the team’s best chance to win the World Cup had come and gone.
The forward moved from French club, Lille, to Chelsea in 2012 and became one of the standout stars in the Premier League.
Hazard, who joined Chelsea for £32 million, made 352 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals.
He won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup, and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
He joined Real Madrid in a deal worth a club-record £130 million including bonuses in 2019 but, hampered by injury, struggled to repeat the form he showed in England.
During his time at the club, Hazard scored seven goals in 76 appearances.
Among the trophies won at the club were two LaLiga titles, one Champions League, and one Copa Del Rey.
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