Eden Hazard: Former Real Madrid and Chelsea attacker retires at 32

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Eden Hazard, a former Real Madrid and Chelsea winger who is now 32 years old, declared his retirement from sport on Tuesday, four months after leaving the Spanish powerhouses.

The former Belgian international became Real's club record signing in 2019 but endured injuries and had a difficult time adjusting at the Santiago Bernabeu during a miserable four-year stint.

Hazard won multiple awards during his time at Real, including the Champions League and two LaLiga championships, despite his minimal playing experience.

"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," Hazard said in a statement on Instagram.

"I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences."

Hazard moved to London to join Chelsea in 2012 from Lille, where he won the Europa League in 2013 and 2019. Together with the League Cup and FA Cup, he also won the Premier League championship in 2015 and 2017.

Prior to his retirement from international football following their group stage elimination at the World Cup in Qatar last year, he made his senior debut for Belgium in 2008 and scored 33 goals in 126 games, helping them finish third at the 2018 World Cup.

Hazard retires following a dismal four-year spell at Madrid where he fell short of his high asking price. The Belgian left after having a successful Premier League career with Chelsea, where he scored 110 goals in 352 games and helped the Blues win two titles.