Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday at the age of 32, bringing an end to his 16-year career.
The forward enjoyed successful periods at Lille and Chelsea before ending his club career with a disappointing spell at Real Madrid.
"You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time," Hazard wrote in an Instagram post.
"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.
The best days of Hazard's career came at Chelsea, and he bid farewell to the club by scoring in their defeat of Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League final. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
"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."
Hazard thanked his three clubs -- Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid -- as well as the Belgian FA and national team in his statement.
"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," the post continued.
"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 won five league titles in his career -- two each with Chelsea and Los Blancos, and one with Lille -- as well as a number of individual prizes, including the PFA Player of the year in 2014-15.
Hazard was a key member of Belgium's breakout generation of players who earned third place at the 2018 World Cup, narrowly losing to eventual winners France in the semifinals.
Chelsea paid tribute to Hazard in a series of posts on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, saying he was "a player who could do pretty much anything with a ball at his feet."
"Happy retirement, to one of Chelsea's greatest ever players," it concludes.
Lille similarly posted an emotional tribute, saying "[Hazard's] prowess will live forever in our memories" and that Hazard is the "greatest talent trained at LOSC."
Liverpool's asking price for Konate revealed amid Madrid interestAccording to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool have informed all interested parties that they would demand a fee in the region of £35 million, amid strong interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the French centre-back since last month, when it was reported that Konate had refused to sign a new contract.K...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man Utd 0-1 Corner FC Man Utd vs Arsenal 1st half Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace Viktor Gyokeres Chelsea The most touches by any player in Premier League history Onana on the bench watching Bayindir… Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
The Chelsea star and Connie split up last month after 12 months of dating.Connie Grace stunned in a silver outfit during a trip to MarbellaCole Palmer and Connie split up last month after a year of datingThey had known each other since they were 17 and started seeing each other last summer, but decided to go their separate ways.Rumours of their split emerged when they stopped following one another...
[(Chelsea F.C.) Strength]: 1. This summer, Chelsea F.C.'s most significant reinforcements came in the attacking line. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro joined early, participated in the Club World Cup, and quickly integrated into the team, both scoring goals. Meanwhile, young talent Estevao Willian, before his transfer, scored a stunning goal for Palmeiras against Chelsea F.C. in the same tournament. The ...
[(Gil Vicente FC) Strength]: 1. Gil Vicente FC finished 13th in the league last season. They aim to avoid relegation and fight for a Conference League spot in the new season. Facing FC Porto, the team are motivated to take points in this home game.2. Gil Vicente FC won the recent two games in a row across all competitions. They won 2-0 over CD Nacional in the last league game, smoothly starting wi...
[(Dynamo Dresden) Neutral]: 1. Both sides have never met before, so there were no records to refer to.[(Dynamo Dresden) Weakness]: 1. As the newly promoted team in the 2. Bundesliga, Dynamo Dresden suffered a losing streak in the first two rounds, being demoralized a lot. Facing 1.FSV Mainz 05 in the first game of the DFB-Pokal at home, the team find it hard to secure a win, indicating doubtful mo...
[(Jaro) Strength]: 1. Jaro are 8th in the table and still need points to secure a Championship play-offs spot, indicating full motivation in this match.2. Forward Kerfala Cissoko scored the winner in the last game, helping his side win.3. Jaro won 2-1 over FC Haka in the last game, securing a 2-game winning streak and showing outstanding recent form.4. Jaro were unbeaten with 1 win and 1 draw in t...
[(SC Preussen Munster) Strength]: 1. In the new season, SC Preussen Munster's 3 goals in two league games were scored by 3 players, showing multiple scorers on offense.2. SC Preussen Munster won 4 of the last 5 home games in AH, boasting a decent home trend.[(SC Preussen Munster) Neutral]: 1. SC Preussen Munster drew 1-1 with SC Paderborn 07 in the last 2. Bundesliga game, showing average performa...
[(Rot-Weiss Essen) Strength]: 1. Rot-Weiss Essen are playing in the 3. Liga this season. Despite their inferior strength to their rivals, the team will still go all out to secure a qualification spot in this home game.2. Tobias Kraulich scored a goal in the last game, showing his outstanding form.3. Rot-Weiss Essen scored 2 goals and conceded 2 in the last 2 competitive games, boasting decent offe...
[(IFK Varnamo) Strength]: 1. IFK Varnamo are at the bottom of the table this season. If they want to avoid relegation, they have to go all out for points in every game, indicating strong motivation in this match.2. Kai Meriluoto scored a goal and made an assist in the last game, helping the team tie with IF Elfsborg.3. IFK Varnamo won the last 2 games in AH, demonstrating recent performances in li...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas VS Liga Deportiva Universitaria
- 3 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 4 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 5 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 6 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 7 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 8 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 9 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 10 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss