SOCCER
Eden Hazard retires: how old is Hazard?
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea forward has called time on his illustrious playing career, during which he played more than 700 games.
Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football in a statement published on Instagram.
The Belgian forward has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid over the summer. In the statement Hazard wrote: “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.”
Hazard, still only 32, was one of the most devastating attackers in Europe at the peak of his powers, and was frequently ranked among the best players in the Premier League during his seven years with Chelsea.
During his his years with Chelsea he was named the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions and won the Belgium Player of the Year three times.
In 2014/15, as Chelsea won the Premier League title and EFL Cup, Hazard was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year for his scintillating performances across the campaign.
He joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 but failed to replicate his electric Premier League form in Spain. During an injury-affected four years with Madrid he made just 76 appearances but picked up a number of trophies while part of the Los Blancos squad, including a first Champions League title of his career.
In his statement Hazard said that he had ‘realised his dream’ throughout his career in soccer.
“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 teammates - thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.”