Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has officially announced his retirement from professional football, ten months after he announced his retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old made over 700 appearances over the course of his star-studded career, scoring 126 league goals for Lille, Chelsea and Real Madrid. However, his greatest years were undoubtedly in a Chelsea kit.

Additionally, he also won 126 caps on the international stage for Belgium, scoring 33 goals in total for the Red Devils. He never won an international trophy, but he did help to drag his country to third place in the 2018 World Cup.

What did Eden Hazard say regarding his retirement?

Speaking on his retirement, Hazard said [via Fabrizio Romano on X]: “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 thanks to 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.”

What did Eden Hazard accomplish during his time at Chelsea?

Hazard joined Chelsea from LOSC Lille for a fee of £32 million – he would go on score nine goals during his first season in the Premier League.

All in all, Hazard scored 85 Premier League goals during his stint at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, he also won two Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and two Europa League trophies.