Eden Hazard: Former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward rejected MLS and Saudi Pro League offers before announcing retirement
Eden Hazard rejected lucrative offers from MLS and Saudi Pro League before the former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward announced his retirement from football at 32.
Hazard won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge before moving to Real Madrid in 2019.
The two-time champions of EPL during his time at Chelsea revealed his retirement from football on social media on Tuesday; “You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wrote.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Belgian had rejected offers from USA’s MLS and Saudi Pro League.
Hazard was not convinced by approaches from MLS and Saudi clubs in the last four months as he was already thinking of retirement. Hazard decided to try new chapter in his life.
Hazard revealed the reason for his retirement.
The Belgian struggled with injuries and made just 76 appearances in four seasons at Real before leaving in the summer.
“You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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 team-mates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.”
Hazard’s hall of fame
He won strings of titles during his prime and even at his worst at Real Madrid.
Chelsea signed Hazard for £32m from Lille in 2012 and made 352 appearances for the club, scoring 110 goals.
He won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup, and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
In July 2019, Hazard joined Real Madrid in a deal worth a club-record £130m, including bonuses. From this point, his downfall started, which forced him to leave the club by mutual consent before the five-year deal, which was supposed to end in 2024.
During his time at Real, he scored seven goals in 76 appearances, 10 of which came in all competitions in the 2022/23 season.
Among the trophies won at the club are two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and one Copa Del Rey, making him among the few footballers ever to win both UEFA elite competitions.
Hazard, named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2015, added: “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.”
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