Featured Image Credit: ArminCFC_ via X
Topics: Football, Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Premier League
Chris Byfield
Topics: Football, Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Premier League
An Eden Hazard compilation has gone viral in the wake of the Belgian’s retirement.
The 32-year-old announced his retirement from football on Tuesday after ending an ill-fated Real Madrid spell at the end of last season.
Hazard joined Real from Chelsea for some £89million in 2019, but made just 54 appearances for the Spanish giants, including only six appearances last season.
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However, the attacker is one of Chelsea's greatest-ever players, having helped the club to two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge, netting 110 times in his 352 appearances.
Hazard, who has been a free agent since June said in a statement: "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."
Despite a trophy-laden spell at Real, which included a Champions League, two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey, the player’s spell there has been widely considered a disappointment.
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Nevertheless, Hazard is among the most naturally gifted players of his generation. The below compilation has gone viral and serves as a reminder of the Belgian‘s extraordinary talents when in the Premier League.
Hazard started his career with French side Lille, where he scored 50 goals in 149 appearances and helped the club to a historic Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2010-11.
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He subsequently moved to Chelsea in 2012 for a reported £32million and went on to become a club legend, netting the winner in the 2019 Europa League final against Arsenal in his last-ever appearance for the club.
In a statement on social media, Hazard said: "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."
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