Eden Hazard Hangs Up His Boots
Belgian professional footballer Eden Michael Walter Hazard has decided to end his career as a footballer after playing 700 matches in 16 years.
He now looks forward to “enjoying the time with his loved ones” off the pitch.
He announced his retirement on his Instagram page with a suspense opening message that read, “You have to know how to listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.”
Expressing his appreciation to persons and institutions that made his dream a reality, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid player said, “I was able to realize my dream, play and have fun on the pitches across Europe and the world.”
“During my career I have met great people, managers, coaches, teammates and I wanted to particularly thank the clubs I have been through: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and obviously thank the Belgian Selection again.
“A special thank you to my family, friends, advisors and 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, for your encouragement in each of the countries where I have played.”
Hazard began his career at Lille in 2007 at the age of 16 where he scored 50 goals in 190 appearances.
He joined Chelsea in 2012 and established himself as one of the best players in the world.
In 2019, he moved to Real Madrid. His time there was beset with a series of injuries woes and poor form. He scored seven goals in 76 appearances for Madrid and left club in 2023- a year before his contract was due to expire.
