Eden Hazard retires: Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star calls time on football career at 32

Ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and Belgium winger Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football.

Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 but endured a torrid four years at the Bernabeu, playing just 54 league games for Los Blancos.

He remains widely revered at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles scoring 110 goals across 352 appearances.

Taking to Instagram, Hazard wrote:

“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.

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“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.

“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. Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.”