Eden Hazard: When Samuel Eto'o Compared Former Chelsea Star to Lionel Messi

• Eden Hazard has formally announced his retirement from football
• Samuel Eto'o previously likened the Belgian's talent to Lionel Messi
• The ex-Cameroon international believed Hazard was 'close to Messi'

Cameroon legend, Samuel Eto'o once stated that Eden Hazard was 'close to Lionel Messi' following his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.

This week, the Belgian announced his retirement at the age of 32 following a torrid spell at Los Blancos.

Eto'o and Hazard played together at Chelsea in the 2013/14 season, where the winger singlehandedly led the club to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.

Hazard ended that season as the club's top scorer before later leaving to join Real Madrid in 2019. At the time, Eto'o told Radio Marca, as quoted by GOAL:

"Hazard has to win the Ballon d'Or. He hasn't been valued enough but now he's at one of the best teams in the world all eyes will be on him. He's close to Messi's level and I hope that he plays Barcelona when he's not at 100 percent."

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The former Belgium winger won two Premier League titles, two La Liga championships, and the 2021 UEFA Champions League title, as reported by Transfermarkt.

In a formal statement on social media, Hazard's media team acknowledged his experience in over 700 matches and how he had 'realised his dreams on pitches across the globe.

"[Hazard] acknowledged the influence of managers, coaches, teammates, and fans, thanking them for the memorable moments throughout his career. Hazard also extended his appreciation to the clubs he represented, including LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, along with the Belgian national team (RBFA)."

Hazard also led Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Eden Hazard announces retirement from football

Sports Brief also reported on Hazard officially ending his football career by retiring at the young age of 32.

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

Hazard was clubless since leaving Real Madrid in the summer and announced his decision on social media.