One of the world’s technically gifted footballers has decided to hang up his boots. Eden Hazard, aged 32, explained that injuries and a huge decline in form were the main reasons for his decision to retire.
“You must listen to yourself and stay 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. “I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. During my career, I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and team-mates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.
Hazard: Chelsea FC
Hazard started his professional career at LOSC Lille in 2005. He was also named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2010-11, and 2011-12
Embed from Getty ImagesHe made 190 appearances for the French side, scoring 36 goals, including 20 of them in his final season.
The Belgian also won the Ligue 1 and Coup de France in 2011.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe high point of his career came at Chelsea when he went on to become the club’s ninth top scorer, with 110 goals in 352 appearances.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, he did have some low points at the West London club, including being sent off for accidentally kicking a ball boy in a League Cup tie against Swansea.
Embed from Getty ImagesShockingly, even though Hazard apologized to the ball boy, it was later revealed that the ball boy deliberately sat on the ball to waste time.
In 2015, he won the PFA Players’ Player Of The Year, as well as the Premier League’s Player Of The Season.
Hazard then won his first two pieces of silverware for Chelsea under Antonio Conte in 2017(Premier League), and 2018(FA Cup).
Embed from Getty ImagesHe also won the Europa League in 2013 and 2019 under Mauricio Sarri and Rafael Benitez.
Hazard left Chelsea in June 2019, following the Blues’ second Europa League triumph.
In July 2019, he was signed by Real Madrid for €100million, on a five-year contract until June 2024.
Embed from Getty ImagesHazard won his first La Liga Title in his debut season.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis was followed by a first Champions League title in 2021-22.
And finally the Club World Cup in 2022.
Embed from Getty Images
Internationals
Embed from Getty ImagesHazard made his senior debut in a friendly against Luxembourg in November 2008. He was part of the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 squad, before Captaining Belgium for a Third Place finish in Russia 2018.
Embed from Getty ImagesHazard obtained a total of 126 caps for Belgium, netted 33 goals, and provided 36 assists for the nation.
He also was the Belgium Player Of The Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
One of his best attributes as a player was his ball skills, especially dribbling. ]
Embed from Getty ImagesThe best example of this was his goal against Liverpool at Anfield.
He also was a good exponent of the dark arts of football i.e. diving.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut besides that, he still went on to have an illustrious career and will be regarded as one of the modern greats of football.
For more information on Eden Hazard’s retirement, visit World In Sport
