Belgian attacking midfielder Eden Hazard announced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to find another club following his release by Real Madrid. The 32-year-old endured an injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid after his 89-million-pound (103 million euros, $110 million) move from Chelsea in 2019, playing just 76 matches in all competitions across four seasons. « 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. »
Hazard had a far happier time at Chelsea, winning both the Premier League title and Europa League twice as well as the FA and League Cup from 2012-2019.
He was also integral to Belgium’s impressive run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, beating Brazil in the quarter-finals but bowing out to eventual champions France in the semi-final.
However, he was unable to rouse himself for last year’s World Cup finals when along with fellow stars Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Hazard and a below-par Belgium bowed out in the group stage.
Nevertheless Hazard — who also won a Ligue 1 crown with Lille and two La Liga titles with Real and picked up a Champions League winners’ medal as an unused substitute in 2022 — was in grateful mood as he signed off.
« I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world, » he said.
« 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. »
He thanked his clubs and the Belgian federation as well as friends, family and advisors « 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, » he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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