Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from professional football following the Belgian’s inability to find a club after departing from Real Madrid in August, Peoples Gazette can report.

“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard said in a statement on Tuesday. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer,” he added.

Hazard began his career at French Ligue 1 side in 2007 but moved to Chelsea in 2012. At Chelsea, he reached his pinnacle, scoring 110 goals in 352 games and winning the Premier League title twice and the UEFA Europa League title twice.

He also won the FA Cup and the League Cup during his stint at Stamford Bridge. Hazard moved to Real Madrid in 2019, but injury-riddled time in the Spanish capital made life difficult for the player and only managed 77 games, most of which were when he came on from the bench.

The ex-Lille man only managed to score seven goals for Real Madrid, but despite the odds, he lifted the La Liga title twice with the Los Blancos. He also won the Champions League, Copa del Rey, Super Cup and Supercopa de Espana during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He added: “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.

“I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid, and thanks to 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.”

Hazard featured 126 times for the Belgium national team and scored 33 goals. He was a vital member of the national team that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“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,” said Hazard.