Eden Hazard retires from football aged 32 after glittering 16-year career with Chelsea and Real Madrid

EDEN HAZARD has announced his retirement from football.

The Chelsea legend has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in the summer.

Taking to Instagram, Hazard, 32, reflected on his glittering 16-year career.

He thanked all the clubs he played for throughout, and revealed he would now be looking to spend his time with his loved ones.

Hazard said: "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 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.

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";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."

Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, joining from Lille for a reported fee of £32million.

He arrived in England with a glowing reputation from his time in France after helping Lille to a league and cup double in 2011.

During his time with the Blues, Hazard became one of the best players in the Premier League.

He achieved legendary status at Stamford Bridge after winning two league titles, two Europa League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup while also winning the club's Player of the Year award four times.

Hazard even stood out among his peers across the league and national team.

The winger won the 2014/15 Player of the Season award and won Belgium's equivalent prize three years running from 2017 to 2019.

In his final season in England, Hazard became one of just four players in Prem history to score more than 15 goals and assists in a single campaign, with 16 goals and 15 assists that year.

He eventually switched Chelsea for Real Madrid after sealing a transfer with the potential to be worth £130m.

However, the grass proved to not be greener in Madrid than in London.

His career took a sharp decline in Spain as he became plagued with fitness issues.

In the end Hazard managed just 76 appearances for the Spanish giants over his five years at the club, scoring just seven goals.

He earned 126 caps for the Belgium Red Devils in his international career.

Tributes to his iconic career poured in from former clubs, team-mates and ex-pros alike.

Juan Mata said: "My friend, what a pleasure to play with you… You are one of the best players I’ve played with. We had so much fun together 🙏.

"What a player, what a guy. Thank you for everything. All the best in your new chapter, enjoy, you deserve it!"

Rio Ferdinand replied: "Congrats brooo."

Lille commented: "Thank you for everything Eden ❤️ Forever a Dogue and a LOSC legend ⚜️."