On Tuesday, Eden Hazard announced the end of his playing career.
The 32-year-old made his retirement announcement in a 173-word Instagram post.
It said, “You must listen to yourself and stop when it is appropriate.
“After 16 years with more than 700 matches played, I have made the choice to end my profession as a professional footballer.”
Since leaving Real Madrid 102 days after agreeing to end his contract with the Spanish club, Hazard had been a free agent.
Injury problems during his time at the Bernabeu limited his playing time, and throughout the course of four seasons at Madrid, he only started 30 La Liga games.
The seven seasons Hazard spent playing for Chelsea will be remembered for the most.
In 352 games for the Blues, he scored 110 goals and contributed 92 assists, earning six trophies, including two Premier League championships and two UEFA Europa League crowns.
After beginning his professional club career in France with Lille, Hazard joined Chelsea in 2012. Hazard scored 33 goals in 126 international games for Belgium.
In the 2010–11 season, he was an important member of the Lille team that won both the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles.
Hazard remarked, “I was able to achieve my dream. “I have enjoyed playing on numerous fields all across the world.
“I had the good fortune to work with outstanding management, coaches, and colleagues during my career; I am grateful for these wonderful experiences and will miss you all.
“I also want to thank the teams I’ve played for, including LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, as well as the RBFA for selecting me to play for Belgium.
“I would especially like to thank my family, friends, advisors, and those who have been at my side through good and difficult times.
“A big thank you to all of my fans who have supported me over the years and have encouraged me wherever I have performed.
“This is the time for me to be with my loved ones and try new things.
“See you off on the field soon my friends.”
Chelsea shared numerous tributes on social media in response to the announcement of Hazard’s retirement.
Eden Hazard: one of the finest players to ever play the game, according to one tweet from Chelsea’s official account. Good luck with your retirement and thanks for everything.
Another said that Eden Hazard was absolutely amazing to watch in person. a football player of the highest caliber who gave the impression that he could do anything with the ball in his hands.