Eden Hazard has confirmed his decision to retire from football at 32-years-old, via a post on social media.
The 32-year-old has been without a club since he was released by Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer – having made just 76 appearances across four seasons at the club.
Following his Real Madrid departure, a return to elite-level football is looked to be off the cards as Hazard made multiple suggestions he may hang up his boots for good.
The winger did reportedly have some English clubs interested in him after leaving Madrid, but concerns about his fitness seemed to be a major barrier.
And now, via a lengthy post on his Instagram page, the former Chelsea star has confirmed his decision to retire from the game for good.
Eden Hazard has confirmed his retirement from football at age 32 via a post on social media
Hazard made a lasting impact at Chelsea during his seven years with the west London side
The winger failed to find a new club after being released by Real Madrid during the summer
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star wrote: ‘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.
‘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’.
The winger came through the ranks at French side Lille before making a move to Chelsea
In 253 appearances for the clubs, Hazard scored 110 goals and recorded 92 assists
Hazard was instrumental in the Blues winning multiple titles – including two Europa Leagues – during his time in west London
Hazard won the Premier League twice and the PFA Player of the Year award at Chelsea, and also secured two La Liga titles and the Champions League with Real Madrid.
However, the Belgian winger suffered 18 separate injuries during his spell in the Spanish capital, ruling him out of 95 games for club and country in that time.
This was a complete contradiction to his time at Chelsea, where the Belgian was rarely injured and notched 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for the Blues.
Despite playing a bit-part role in Madrid, Hazard still managed to claim six titles – having also won the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
During his time with the Blues, Hazard also won two Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup.
On an individual basis, Hazard was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season during the 2014–15 campaign.
He also won the Chelsea Player of the Year award on four separate occasions after his stunning displays on the wing for the Blues.
Hazard picked up the PFA Player of the Year award in 2014-15 after a stellar campaign
The winger won two Premier League titles during his seven-year stint with the Blues
Hazard began his career with French side Lille, where he scored 50 goals and recorded 53 assists from 194 appearances.
During his time there, he also won a the 2010-11 Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France in the same season.
After impressing in France, Hazard then secured a move to west London after the Blues agreed to splash out £32million on the 21-year-old.
On his league debut for Chelsea, Hazard picked up an assist and won a penalty as the Blues cruised to a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.
It was a sign of things to come for the Belgian, who went on to score his first goal for the club just a week later in their league clash with Newcastle.
However, his debut year in England didn’t go entirely to plan after he was sent off for kicking a ball boy during Chelsea’s Capital One Cup semi-final defeat to Swansea.
He went on to make 62 appearances in that first season, as he kick-started an impressive legacy at the west London club.
Sevens seasons after joining Chelsea, Hazard eventually called an end to his time at Stamford Bridge following their 2018-19 Europa League success.
Hazard was involved in controversy in his debut year after an altercation with a ball boy
The winger confirmed his likely Chelsea departure moments after they won the Europa League
After scoring a brace in the 4-1 win over Arsenal, Hazard insisted that it was time for ‘goodbye’ and later secured a move to Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £150million.
Given the lucrative price-tag, Hazard had been expected to make a big impact at Madrid and follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo – who left for Juventus the season prior.
However, Hazard’s time in Madrid was blighted with injuries – meaning he made just 76 appearances across four season in Spain.
With seven goals and 12 assists to his name in all competitions, the winger was released by Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer.
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