Eden Hazard on Tuesday announced his retirement from professional football.
The former LOSC Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid forward confirmed that he has called it quits with football via an official statement on social media on Tuesday morning.
The Belgian has sent an emotional message thanking his former teammates and coaches as he called time on a lengthy and successful playing career that saw him establish himself as one of the finest attacking talents of his generation.
“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.
“I was able to realize 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,” he wrote on his official Instagram account.
Hazard first rose to prominence as a youngster at Lille, but truly made his name as a world class player at Chelsea, where he played from 2012 to 2019.
He won two Premier League titles, two Europa League finals and other major trophies, as well as individual honours such as the PFA Player of the Year in 2014/15 during his time at Stamford Bridge.
