Hazard confirmed the news in a post on Instagram and said he had come to the decision that it’s the right moment to call time on his career. The Belgian has been without a club since leaving Madrid as a free agent in the summer. Hazard did reportedly have offers to continue his career but has opted to retire instead.
He said, “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”.
Hazard forged a stellar career with Lille and Chelsea, joining the Blues after famously announcing his transfer of joining the Champions League winners on Twitter. The Belgian established himself as one of the truly elite players in the Premier League.
Still just 32, Hazard made 352 appearances for the Blues and recorded 110 goals and 92 assists between 2012 and 2019. He won Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League honours with the Blues before moving to Real Madrid.
“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.
Hazard retires after a disappointing four-year spell at Madrid where he failed to live up to his lofty price tag. The Belgian had moved after starring for Chelsea in the Premier League, winning two titles with the Blues and scoring 110 goals in 352 appearances.
Hazard is one of only four players in Premier League history to score 15+ goals and provide 15+ assists in a single season.
It remains to be seen what the future holds now for Hazard and whether he will be tempted to return to football in a coaching or advistory role or look for a new challenge elsewhere.
