Eden Hazard retires from professional football

At the age of 32, Eden Hazard has decided to pull the curtain on his career after 16 years in the game.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Eden Hazard announced his retirement. It brought an end to an illustrious 16-year career in the upper realm of football.

The announcement comes after a journey that saw Hazard rise to prominence at Lille, achieve glory with Chelsea, and experience a more challenging chapter at Real Madrid.

Hazard expressed his gratitude to these three clubs and the Belgian FA for his time representing the national team.

In his statement, the 32-year-old reflected on the diverse experiences throughout his career. He also acknowledged the managers, coaches, teammates, and fans who made it memorable.

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

“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.”

Hazard’s impact on the pitch was undeniable, especially at Chelsea. The gifted winger won five league titles and numerous individual accolades, including the PFA Player of the Year in 2014/15.

He amassed 167 goals and 157 assists in 623 club games in total.

Hazard, who left Real Madrid in the summer, also played a pivotal role for Belgium. He earned 126 caps for the national team, contributing with 33 goals and 36 assists. His efforts helped the Red Devils secure a memorable third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

As Hazard bid farewell to the pitch, he expressed his excitement for the next chapter, saying, “Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences.

“See you off the field soon, my friends.”