Big Highlight/ Eden Hazard retires: Ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid star bids adieu to football with emotional message

Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football. The former Real Madrid forward had been a free agent since he left the Spanish giants this summer. The 32 year old had already decided to hang up his boots from international football last year following Belgium's underwhelming performances in the World Cup.

Hazard shot to fame with his stellar performance in the Premier League as he helped Chelsea win the EPL twice. The former Belgian captain posted an emotional note on Instagram letting everyone know about his decision. "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.

3 things you need to know

• Hazard's Chelsea career was the brightest point of his career
• He failed to have the same impact at Real Madrid
• Hazard's injury ravaged career is one of the main reason behind his retirement

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Eden Hazard bids emotional adieu to football

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.

Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences.

See you off the field soon my friends

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Hazard's stellar international career

Hazard appeared in more than 350 games for Chelsea during his seven year stint. Hazard moved to Spain from Chelsea as Madrid reportedly paid a whopping €100 million to avail of his services. But it didn't pan out the way everyone had hoped as he could manage to muster only 76 appearances for Los Blancos during his four-year stay. Persistent injury issues posed a real problem for him at the Santiago Bernabeu as he barely took the field. He was a different player altogether in the Premier League and almost single handedly led Chelsea to two EPL titles. He also captained Belgium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup which turned out to be a disappointing affair as they were knocked out from the group stage only, He has 33 goals in 126 appearances for Belgium.