The Chelsea icon has remained clubless since his departure from Real Madrid this summer. Eden Hazard, aged 32, took to Instagram to reflect on his illustrious 16-year career.
He expressed gratitude to all the clubs he represented throughout his journey and announced his intention to spend more time with his loved ones.
Hazard shared, “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.”
“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.”
Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea from 2012 to 2019, joining from Lille for a reported £32 million fee. He arrived in England with a stellar reputation, having helped Lille achieve a league and cup double in 2011.
During his tenure with the Blues, Hazard emerged as one of the Premier League’s top talents. He achieved legendary status at Stamford Bridge, winning two league titles, two Europa League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, while also claiming the club’s Player of the Year award on four occasions.
Hazard’s excellence extended beyond his club, as he also excelled on the international stage. He won the 2014/15 Premier League Player of the Season award and was named Belgium’s equivalent for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.
In his final season in England, Hazard became one of only four players in Premier League history to amass more than 15 goals and assists in a single campaign, registering 16 goals and 15 assists that season.
He later moved from Chelsea to Real Madrid in a potentially £130 million transfer deal. However, his career took a downturn in Spain due to persistent fitness issues. During his five-year spell with the Spanish giants, Hazard made just 76 appearances and scored seven goals.
Hazard earned 126 caps for the Belgium national team during his international career.
Former clubs, teammates, and fellow professionals showered tributes on his iconic career. Juan Mata said, “My friend, what a pleasure to play with you… You are one of the best players I’ve played with. We had so much fun together 🙏.”
“What a player, what a guy. Thank you for everything. All the best in your new chapter, enjoy, you deserve it!”
Rio Ferdinand simply responded with, “Congrats brooo.” Lille commented, “Thank you for everything Eden ❤️ Forever a Dogue and a LOSC legend ⚜️.”
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Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard
Forwarder, Midfielder
Belgium
Age: 32
173 cm
76 kg
This season he played in total 6 times for 194 minutes for La Liga.
Eden Hazard didn’t score any goal for Real Madrid. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in La Liga. In the last match Real Madrid won 4-0 against Osasuna.
TBC performance and stats
TBC
- L
TBC is currently in the with points.
It has a even goal difference after scoring goals and conceding .
Embed from Getty Images
The post Eden Hazard hangs up his boots at 32 following a stellar 16-year football journey with Chelsea and Real Madrid appeared first on Soccer Tonic.
