Former Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard has today announced his retirement from football.
Hazard has made the decision despite only being 32-years-old, with his career taking a nosedive since leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2019.
The winger terminated his contract at Real Madrid in the summer, one year before it was set to expire, and despite enjoying an overall incredible career, his time at the Santiago Bernabeu is best left forgotten.
Hazard confirms his retirement
The former Belgium star has now confirmed that he will retire from the game immediately, having not moved on to another club since departing Real Madrid.
“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard stated on Instagram.
“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
“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.
Disasterous move
Hazard was arguably the best player in the Premier League when he made his £100m move to Madrid, and this move has been nothing but a disaster for both the player and the club.
Hazard scored just seven times in 76 games for the club, as he lost fitness and form rapidly over the course of his stay, and he soon found himself out of the side completely as Vinicius Junior began to rise to stardom on the left-wing.
It was an expensive deal for Real Madrid, and having to terminate his contract early showed what a huge error it was. It is not one that Florentino Perez will want to repeat, and he may look to avoid signing older players for such huge fees going forward as a result.