Eden Hazard: Former Real Madrid and Chelsea Superstar Retires From Football at Age 32

• Former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has officially announced his retirement
• Hazard had previously retired from international football in December of last year
• The Belgian played for Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid in a career spanning almost two decades

Eden Hazard has officially ended his football career, retiring at the young age of 32.

Hazard had a challenging four-year spell in Spain following his record-breaking transfer from Chelsea in 2019.

The former Chelsea and LOSC Lille star, who has been clubless since leaving Madrid in the summer, made the announcement of his retirement on Instagram as quoted by GOAL:

"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.

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He also took a moment to express his gratitude to the clubs he played for, including the Belgian national team, and to convey his deep appreciation to the managers who played a pivotal role in helping him achieve his dream as a footballer.

"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.

In conclusion, the 32-year-old extended his heartfelt gratitude to his family and fans for their unwavering support throughout his football journey.

"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."

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Hazard's brother urges him to retire

Meanwhile, before Eden's decision to retire, his younger brother Kylian had recently advised him to step away from football, Sports Brief reported.

Kylian also mentioned that Eden has no immediate plans to join a new club. Kylian expressed uncertainty about whether his older brother will return to playing.

Kylian, aged 28, currently plays for RWD Molenbeek in Belgium. He suggested that Hazard should retire in order to have more quality time with his family.