Hazard made his feelings very clear on Chelsea return after Abramovich plea

10 October 2023 , 10:44

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Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32 (Image: Getty Images)

Eden Hazard has called time on his illustrious career at the age of 32 after leaving Real Madrid in the summer.

Hazard was plagued by injuries during his stint at the Bernabeu but is still remembered fondly for his dazzling displays at Chelsea. Over a seven-year period, the Belgium international established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League - and the world - after lighting up Stamford Bridge on a weekly basis.

Inevitably, Hazard's talents attracted interest from several European heavyweights. The opportunity to pursue a dream move to Real Madrid in 2019 proved to be one Hazard simply could not turn down - but a return to Chelsea was touted just two years later.

According to El Nacional back in December 2021, former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich personally reached out in a bid to lure Hazard back to the club. The Blues' former talisman had struggled to establish himself in the wake of injury issues and would likely have been available for the right price.

However, in spite of his fondness for Chelsea, Hazard had already made it clear just months earlier that a return to Stamford Bridge was simply "out of the question" as he sought to prove himself at his new club.

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Speaking back in May 2021, he said: "I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question. Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.

"I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation. I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan."

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Hazard won the Premier League title twice during his seven-year stint at Chelsea (Getty Images)

Unfortunately, Hazard was only able to show his undeniable talent in spurts during his time in Spain. Injuries ultimately restricted him to just 76 appearances across four seasons at the Bernabeu, with Hazard revealing he had decided to hang up his boots on Tuesday after "listening" to himself.

In a statement shared on social media, 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. 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."

Dan Marsh