Eden Hazard reveals why he decided to retire from football

Eden Hazard has revealed why he decided to call time on his playing career earlier this month, admitting that he no longer enjoyed playing football. The 32-year-old former Chelsea winger had been released from his £400,000-a-week contract with Real Madrid in the summer and had received offers from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League.

Speaking after a charity match in France this week, Hazard said: ‘In life, you can’t explain everything. I am at peace with myself. I am happy. I had been thinking about it for a while so it helped. I have so many things to do outside of football that I was able to make a calm choice.’

When asked when he decided to retire, Hazard said: ‘I had already thought about it when I retired with the national team. I was coming out of a complicated period with Real. I had always said that I would stop as soon as I no longer had fun on the pitch. I didn’t want to go play somewhere for the money. It was the best solution. I no longer enjoyed training, and I no longer played. The decision was simple.’

Hazard denies reports of move to Belgian top flight

Hazard also denied suggestions that he had opportunities to play in the Belgian top flight with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. ‘There was nothing,’ Hazard said. ‘I’ve heard a lot of nonsense but it’s part of the transfer window. It was cool to see my name associated with quite a few clubs. Especially in Belgium. I never had the chance to play for a Belgian club. It could have been a great story but it didn’t happen.’

Hazard’s career highlights

Hazard is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and is remembered fondly by fans of both Chelsea and Real Madrid. He won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Europa League title with Chelsea, as well as one La Liga title and one Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid.

He also won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 2014/15 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year on six occasions. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year on three occasions and won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2014/15.

Hazard also won two Premier League Golden Boots, one for his 16 goals in 2014/15 and one for his 15 goals in 2016/17.

Hazard’s legacy

Hazard will be remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation and his legacy will live on for many years to come. He was a creative force on the pitch and a leader off it, and his influence on the game will be felt for years to come.

He leaves behind a legacy of success and a lasting impression on those who watched him play. He may have retired from playing, but his impact on the game will be felt for many years to come.