Former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has formally announced his decision to retire from football at the age of 32.
Since being released by Spanish outfit Real Madrid in the summer, Hazard has been without a club. He played just 76 games in all competitions throughout his four seasons at the Madrid club.
Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 for £89m, but featured in just 54 La Liga games for the Spanish giants.
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“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
While at Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles having joined the club from Lille in 2012 for £32 million. He also won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2014-15 campaign.
Hazard scored 110 times in 352 appearances for the Blues, including the winner in the 2019 Europa League final against Arsenal in his final appearance for the club.
At Real, Hazard won the Champions League, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup and two La Liga titles. He also claimed two Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey. Throughout his four years with Los Blancos, he managed only seven goals in in all competitions.
He further wrote: “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.”
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Hazard thanks Lille, Chelsea and Madrid
“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.”
Hazard began his career with French outfit Lille. He scored 50 goals in 149 appearances to help the club claim a domestic double (Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France) in 2010-11.
“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.” ❤️
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Remarkably, Hazard is one of only four players in Premier League history to score 15+ goals and supply 15+ assists in a single season. He found the back of the net 16 times and assisted 15 goals in the 2018-19 season.
The other four players are Thierry Henry, Matt Le Tissier and Eric Cantona.
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