Hazard is coming to the end of a 16-year injury-plagued career that saw him achieve great success at club level but failed to live up to his promise during a “golden generation” with the Belgian national team.
Hazard, 32, who played more than 700 games and won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday. Before being slowed down by injuries, Hazard was often unstoppable on the court with his quick pace, creativity and superb dribbling skills.
The widely respected player retired from international football last year after his country’s senior generation was eliminated from the World Cup group stage.
“You have to listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” said Hazard, who has not left the club since his contract with Real Madrid expired in June. “I’m living my dream. I’m playing on many pitches around the world and having fun.”
Hazard won eight trophies with Real Madrid, including the Champions League and two Spanish league titles, but his time in Spain was marred by injuries – including a broken right foot in his first season – while his form struggled Begins to slide.
Hazard began his career at Ligue 1 club Lille, where he won the league and cup double before moving to Stamford Bridge in 2012. He played for Chelsea for seven seasons, scoring 110 goals in 352 games and becoming a fan favorite.
In addition to two Premier League titles, he also helped Chelsea win two Europa League titles, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have great coaches, coaches and teammates throughout my career, and I want to thank you all for these great times,” Hazard said. “I’m going to miss you all.” “I also want to thank you. Clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and I would like to thank the RBFA for choosing Belgium.”
At the national team level, Azhar made his first appearance for the national team in 2008, when he was 17 years old. He played 126 times and scored 33 goals.
He is part of Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” of players who were expected to win Grand Slam titles but ultimately only reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and failed repeatedly at other international tournaments.
Associated Press reports.
FIFA World Cup Men’s Trends
Get more information from the FIFA Men’s World Cup Follow your favorites and get information on games, news, and more
