Eden Hazard former attacking midfielder announces retirement

Sports report

Eden Michael Walter Hazard is a Belgian former professional footballer who played as a winger or attacking midfielder. 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. Eden Hazard, who won the Premier League twice during his time at Chelsea, revealed his retirement from football on social media on Tuesday; "You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time," he wrote.

Hazard won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. The Belgian struggled with injuries and made just 76 appearances in four seasons at Real before leaving in the summer. "You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time," he wrote on Instagram. "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 team-mates - thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all." Hazard, named PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2015, added: "I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian selection.

Chelsea signed Hazard for £32m from Lille in 2012, and he made 352 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals. He won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. In July 2019, Hazard joined Real Madrid in a deal worth a club-record £130m including bonuses. Hazard signed an initial five-year deal until 2024, but his time at the Bernabeu was beset by injuries and poor form. During his time at Real, he scored seven goals in 76 appearances, 10 of which came in all competitions in the 2022/23 season. Among the trophies won at the club are two LaLiga titles, one Champions League and one Copa Del Rey.

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