Eden Hazard, a name synonymous with top-tier football, bade farewell to his illustrious career as a professional footballer at the age of 32.
The announcement sent ripples through the football community as it marked the end of an era of one of the sport’s most cherished talents.
Eden Hazard retires from football: Here’s what he said
Hazard’s statement echoed a feeling of fulfilment and gratitude.
“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer,” he remarked.
The Belgian superstar extended his thanks to everyone who has been a part of his journey, especially mentioning his stints with LOSC Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, alongside his representation for Belgium on the international stage.
Born on 7 January 1991, in La Louvière, Belgium, Eden Hazard grew up in a family deeply rooted in football.
His parents, both footballers, nurtured his passion from a young age. His mother, Carine, and father, Thierry, were both active in football before becoming sports teachers.
Hazard is the eldest of four siblings, all of whom embraced the sport, with his brother Thorgan even joining him at Chelsea in 2012.
Hazard’s professional journey began with Lille in Ligue 1, where his skills started turning heads.
His breakthrough came in the 2011-2012 season when he scored 20 goals. His subsequent transfer to Chelsea in 2012 was a stepping stone to becoming a global football icon.
During his tenure at Chelsea, he made 245 appearances, scoring 85 goals and becoming a fan favourite. His final professional stint was with Real Madrid, where, despite a slew of injuries, he showcased flashes of brilliance.
The statistics speak volumes of Hazard’s football journey. With a total of 459 league appearances and 126 goals across three top European clubs, his career was nothing short of stellar.
However, it was not just about the numbers; Hazard’s agility, playmaking ability, and his knack for scoring and creating goal-scoring opportunities set him apart from his peers.
His farewell is not a goodbye to the sport but a transition to new beginnings.
“Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends,” Hazard expressed.
While the fans will miss his mesmerising play on the field, the legacy of Eden Hazard will continue to inspire aspiring footballers globally.
His journey from a small town in Belgium to becoming a celebrated footballer on the global stage is a narrative of hard work, dedication, and an undying love for football.
Now, as Hazard hangs up his boots, the football community reflects on the indelible mark he has left on the sport.