Eden Hazard announces retirement from football at the age of 32

Following his departure from Real Madrid at the end of the last season, former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard announced his retirement from football.

Hazard, 32, sealed an £89 million to Madrid from Chelsea  in 2019 but only featured in 54 league games for the Spanish powerhouses.

He achieved success at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles.

“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” said Hazard, who has been a free agent since his contract was terminated in June.

“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.”

The 32-year-old had previously announced his retirement from international competition in December last year following Belgium’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Hazard won the Champions League, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup, two La Liga championships, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups while he was a member of Real Madrid. However, many people think that his stint in Spain was underwhelming because he only scored 7 goals in 76 games across all competitions.

Hazard began his professional career with French club Lille, where he scored 50 goals in 149 games and helped the team win the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles in 2010–11.

“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,” Hazard added on social media.

“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.”