OFFICIAL: Hazard confirms retirement

Eden Hazard announced his retirement from active football at just after 11.00 (Spanish time) on Tuesday 10 October. The 32-year-old attacker did so in a message on his social networks in which he explained the reasons for a decision taken for "listen to yourself and say stop at the right time".

A top player bids farewell to football. Talent and quality flowed from his boots in abundance. Dribbles in centimetres, video game moves, goals, assists and magical touches that took him from Lille to Chelsea, where his level bordered on excellence, the same level that Real Madrid wanted to buy, although with a very different result.

This is the full message of his statement:

"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," his statement on Instagram started.

"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."

 

October 10, 2023