October 10 – Belgian star Eden Hazard, who won the Premier League twice during his time at Chelsea, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.
The Belgian transferred to Real Madrid in 2019 for a club-record £130 million including bonuses, but was riddled with injuries that limited his playing time and confidence. Over the course of four years, the winger featured just 76 times for Los Blancos, as the club quickly turned to young superstar Vinicius Junior who has locked down the left-wing position since 2020.
Hazard has not played a full 90 minutes since December 2021, where he started for Real Madrid against Cadiz in a La Liga match.
The player elected to retire after reportedly struggling to find a new club in the summer after leaving Real Madrid in June. The news breaks after both parties reached an agreement to rescind his contract a year early.
Speaking online through a post to his 27.3 million Instagram followers, the Belgian said: “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.”
Hazard, named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2015, added: “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 that have been close to me in good times and in 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.”
Over the course of an illustrious career, Hazard won a host of titles including the Premier League, Champions League and La Liga, amongst a plethora of individuals awards recognising his unquestionable talent and ability.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714738076labto1714738076ofdlr1714738076owedi1714738076sni@g1714738076niwe.1714738076yrrah1714738076