Toba Owojaiye reporting
Eden Hazard, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid football star, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. Hazard’s career took a significant turn when he made an £88.5 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2019, following his outstanding performances with Chelsea. However, his time at the Bernabéu was marked by struggles and setbacks.
Hazard’s journey in top-tier football began when he joined Chelsea in 2012, arriving from Lille. During his tenure with the London club, he achieved remarkable success, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two Europa League trophies. His contributions on the field were characterized by breathtaking creativity and skill.
In a statement regarding his retirement, Hazard emphasized the importance of knowing when to step away from the game, saying, “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.” His decision to retire came after more than 16 years of professional football, encompassing over 700 matches and the fulfillment of his dream to play on pitches all over the world.
Hazard’s international career with Belgium was equally illustrious, with 126 appearances for his national team. However, he retired from international football in December of the previous year following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
His time at Real Madrid was marred by persistent injuries, limiting his availability and playing time. Over four seasons, Hazard made just 76 appearances for the club. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had during his career, acknowledging the impact of managers, coaches, teammates, and the support of fans.
Hazard also extended his thanks to the clubs he represented, including LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, as well as the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) for his national team selection. He reserved a special appreciation for his family, friends, advisors, and all those who stood by him through both good and bad times.
In closing, Hazard expressed his gratitude to his loyal fans who had supported him throughout his career and announced his intention to shift his focus towards enjoying time with loved ones and exploring new experiences beyond the football pitch. Eden Hazard will be remembered for his exceptional contributions to Chelsea and his role in elevating Belgium to the top of the world rankings, while his controversial move to Real Madrid will continue to be a subject of debate among football enthusiasts.