Eden Hazard, the former Belgium international, has confirmed his retirement from professional football, marking an end to a magnificent career, most notably at Chelsea.
Speculations surrounding Hazard’s future have been circulating for a while, especially following a challenging period at Real Madrid.
Furthermore, despite the absence of a move during the summer transfer window, Hazard’s contemplation about retirement began as early as February to March of this year, according to Daily Briefing columnist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano’s recent Substack piece delves deep into Hazard’s time in the Premier League, celebrating his remarkable journey with Chelsea.
During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Hazard boasted an enviable trophy collection, including two Premier League titles, the Europa League, among other major accolades.
His sheer talent was further exemplified by numerous unforgettable goals that left fans and opponents alike in awe.
However, despite this rich tapestry of achievements, the winding down of Hazard’s career has been anything but smooth.
The difficulties faced during his stint with Real Madrid seemed to weigh heavily on his decision.
Romano revealed, “He had some possibilities in Saudi Arabia, and just some calls from MLS. But the truth is he was already thinking about retirement since last February/March, when his difficult situation at Real Madrid was never changing.”
Romano’s tribute encapsulates the sentiment of many football enthusiasts when he states, “It’s a shame to see such an elite player retiring relatively young, at just 32. For me, he is unquestionably one of the very best wingers to ever play in the Premier League, at his peak he was incredible.”
Hazard’s early retirement is undoubtedly a loss for the football community, but his legacy at Chelsea and beyond remains indelible.
The football world respects his decision and cherishes the unforgettable moments he’s provided over the years.