Eden Hazard retires from football, aged 32

Eden Hazard has called time on his legendary professional career, having announced his retirement.

The Belgium international agreed to terminate his Real Madrid contract during the summer following his big-money transfer from Chelsea.

He failed to deliver in Spain, with his time at the club blighted with a series of injuries.

Hazard was linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Crystal Palace thought to be keen on snapping him up.

But he's decided to walk away from the sport as he took to social media to announce his retirement, aged 32.

"You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time," he wrote on Instagram.

"After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, 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, will miss you all."

Eden Hazard poses with the Premier League trophy. Image: Getty

Hazard 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."

Hazard lit up England's top flight during his prolific spell at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles.

He also won two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and League Cup at Chelsea.

And he won two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League during his stint at Real.

What's your favourite Hazard moment? Let us know.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.

Topics: Eden Hazard, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar