Long-gone Hazard has finally and officially retired

Former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Belgium forward Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32 on Tuesday.

Hazard has been without a club since departing Real Madrid following the conclusion of his contract in July.

Hazard couldn't care less about his reduced playing time. When it comes to money, however...

The player who won the Premier League, Europa League, and La Liga during his 16-year career announced his retirement on Instagram:

"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.

"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."

The Belgium international scored 110 goals in 352 appearances during seven successful years at Chelsea before moving to Madrid in 2019, becoming the most expensive signing in the club's history in the process. However, the move to Santiago Bernabeu coincided with a massive decline in his career, struggling to settle due to several injury issues.