Hazard retires at the age of 32

Former Belgian international Eden Hazard announced the end of his playing career on October 10th.

"You have to listen to yourself and know when to stop," Hazard wrote on Instagram on October 10th. "After 16 years and over 700 games, I've decided to end my playing career. I've achieved my dream, played and enjoyed myself on many pitches around the world ."

Hazard played 126 matches for the Belgian national team throughout his career. Photo: TA

Hazard also said that he was fortunate to have met wonderful managers, coaches, and teammates at both the Belgian national team and at Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid – the clubs he has played for. He also thanked all of them, along with his family, friends, fans, and those who stood by him during difficult times. "Now it's time to enjoy the fun with loved ones and have new experiences. See you soon, my friends," the Belgian star's post read.

Hazard became a free agent on July 1st. Prior to that, he and Real Madrid had agreed to terminate his contract a year early. After leaving Real, Hazard did not join any new team despite receiving interest from several clubs in Saudi Arabia, the USA, Türkiye, and three French clubs: Nice, Marseille, and Lille.

While at Real Madrid, Hazard was the most disappointing signing in the club's history. After moving from Chelsea in 2019 for $100 million, the Belgian star only played 76 games and scored seven goals. Hazard spent most of his time recovering from injuries or sitting on the bench due to declining form.

Before joining Real Madrid, Hazard was one of the world's top players. He scored 110 goals in 352 games for Chelsea, including 85 in the Premier League. During his seven years with Chelsea, Hazard won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and two Europa Leagues. He also won one Ligue 1 and one French Cup while playing for Lille.

At the international level, Hazard was a shining star of Belgium's golden generation. He played 126 matches for the national team, scoring 33 goals, participating in three World Cups and two European Championships. Hazard's best achievement with Belgium was winning the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup.

Individually, Hazard has won the Silver Ball at the 2018 World Cup, the Premier League Player of the Year in 2014-2015, the Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, the Europa League Player of the Year in 2018-2019, and the Belgian Player of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Vy Anh

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