Eden Hazard leaves behind crazy El Clasico record after football retirement

The former Belgium international ended his football career at 32 years old.

Eden Hazard announced his retirement from football on Tuesday, ending a career full of ups and downs.

Following a brilliant start at the academy ranks of Tubize FC, Hazard broke into Lille’s senior team in 2008. Four years and 103 goal involvements later, Chelsea signed Hazard as one of Ligue 1’s most promising forwards.

The Belgian star exceeded all expectations during his four-year spell at Stamford Bridge, claiming two Premier League trophies. His performances convinced Real Madrid to pay £130m for his transfer in 2019, a switch that turned out to be disaster for both parties.

During his time at Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard made only 76 appearances, constantly struggling for fitness and form. The former Belgium international made a lot of unwanted records at Real Madrid but one of his most bizarre stats involves El Clasico:

Hazard didn’t play a single minute in El Clasico in his four-year stint at Real Madrid. The winger’s last appearance against Barca was a Champions League clash in 2018, where he played for Chelsea.

Hazard left Real Madrid as a free agent at the beginning of the summer transfer window. After failing to secure a move to a new club, Hazard finally decided to announce his early retirement from football.

“You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wrote in a heartfelt message on Instagram.

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