The former Belgian international Eden Hazard has announced that he is to retire from professional football. The 32-year-old former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder made the announcement via the social media platform Instagram.
There had been speculation for some time that Hazard would retire. He has been without a club since he left Real Madrid last summer. He left the national football the Red Devils following Belgium early elimination from last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
“You need to listen to yourself and stop at the right moment. After 16 years and 700 matches I have decided to bring my career to an end”.
"I have been able to realise my dream. I have played and had a lot of fun on pitches all over the world. During my career I have had excellent managers and teammates. I would like to thank them for the great times we have had together. I will miss you all. I would like to thank my clubs Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid and also the Belgian FA for all the times that I was picked for the national team. I must also not forget my family and friends, my advisers and my confidents. They were always there for me in good times and bad. Finally, I would like to thank my fans. You have followed me and supported me during all these years. Now it is time for me to enjoy being with my loved ones and to have new experiences. I hope that I will see you all soon at the side of the pitch”, Eden Hazard said.