Eden Hazard announces retirement from football at 32
Belgian football icon and star Eden Hazard announced that he would be retiring from football at the international and club level at 32.
Eden Hazard, a football royalty and legend, in an official announcement on his social media platform today, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, confirmed to fans who have been anticipating his return to club football after his departure from Real Madrid that he would be retiring from actively playing football at all levels.
This announcement comes right after his departure from Real Madrid as many had anticipated he just might be making a return to club football in the 2023/2024 season.
What did Eden Hazard say about his retirement?
Eden took to his social media platform today to thank fans for their unrelenting support over the years since he started playing football at the young age of 16.
His lengthy statement gave an insight to his passion for the game of football and why he would be greatly missed over the years.
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The statement read, "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. 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. 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 friend."
It is uncertain if the Belgian will be returning to football in any capacity, but he made it clear in his statement that he wants to enjoy his time with his family.
Eden Hazard stats
Edden Hazard is a two-time Premier League and UEFA Europa League winner with Chelsea, where he was also recognised as the talisman at the club. with over 105 goals in 352 appearances for the Blues, the Belgian also received numerous personal awards for his outstanding attributes on the pitch. He won the Premier League Player of the Year, PFA Players' Player of the Year and many more at the club.
His time at Real Madrid was, however, not successful, as he only managed to feature in 76 games in a total of four seasons for the Los Blancos side.
With Belgium, he recorded a total of 33 goals in over 125 games and also captained the country at the Euros 2020 and the World Cup 2022.
Enjoy your retirement, Eden!
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