Eden Hazard officially bids farewell to football

Former professional footballer Eden Hazard, renowned for his time at Real Madrid and Chelsea, has formally announced his retirement from the sport.

In a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram account on Tuesday morning, the 32-year-old Belgian expressed his decision to conclude his career as a professional footballer:

“One must listen to oneself and recognize when it’s time to stop. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have chosen to bring my career as a professional footballer to a close. I’ve had the privilege of living my dream, playing the game and enjoying it on numerous pitches worldwide.”

Hazard also reflected on the highlights of his career, expressing gratitude to the various managers, coaches, and teammates he had the honor of working with:

“Throughout my career, I was fortunate to collaborate with exceptional managers, coaches, and teammates. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone for these incredible moments. I will miss you all.”

He went on to acknowledge the clubs he represented during his illustrious career, namely LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, along with expressing gratitude to the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) for his time representing Belgium:

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the clubs I had the privilege of playing for: LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. I’m also grateful to the RBFA for my role in the Belgian National Team.”

Hazard didn’t forget to express appreciation for the support he received from his family, friends, advisors, and those who stood by him through both good and challenging times:

“A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors, and the people who have been close to me through thick and thin.”

He concluded his message by thanking his loyal fans who have followed his career over the years and offered encouragement at every stage:

“Finally, a massive thank you to you, my fans, who have followed my journey for all these years and provided unwavering support wherever I played. Now, it’s time for me to cherish moments with my loved ones and embark on new adventures. See you off the field soon, my friends.”

Eden Hazard’s retirement announcement marks the end of a remarkable football journey that has captivated fans worldwide.