JUST IN: Eden Hazard retires from football at 32
Belgium international and Chelsea star Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football aged 32.
“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 thanks to the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.”
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“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.
Hazard began his senior career with Ligue 1 club Lille in 2007 at the age of 16 and soon became an integral part of the Lille team under manager Rudi Garcia.
In his first full season, he became the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award, and the following season became the first player to win the award twice.
In the 2010–11 season, he won the league and cup double and, as a result of his performances, was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, the youngest player to win the award.
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Hazard left Lille and joined Chelsea in June 2012 and went on to win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa League titles.
After a successful time at Chelsea, Hazard joined Real Madrid and picked up two LaLiga, one Copa Del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
He made his international debut in 2008, made 126 appearances, scored 33 goals and retired from international football in 2022.
He captained Belgium to a third place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.