Belgian attacking midfielder Eden Hazard introduced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to seek out one other membership following his launch by Real Madrid. The 32-year-old endured an injury-plagued spell at Real Madrid after his 89-million-pound (103 million euros, $110 million) transfer from Chelsea in 2019, taking part in simply 76 matches in all competitions throughout 4 seasons. “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote on Instagram. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.”

Hazard had a far happier time at Chelsea, successful each the Premier League title and Europa League twice in addition to the FA and League Cup from 2012-2019.

He was additionally integral to Belgium’s spectacular run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, beating Brazil within the quarter-finals however bowing out to eventual champions France within the semi-final.

However, he was unable to evoke himself for final 12 months’s World Cup finals when together with fellow stars Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, Hazard and a below-par Belgium bowed out within the group stage.

Nevertheless Hazard — who additionally received a Ligue 1 crown with Lille and two La Liga titles with Real and picked up a Champions League winners’ medal as an unused substitute in 2022 — was in grateful temper as he signed off.

“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world,” he stated.

“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.”

He thanked his golf equipment and the Belgian federation in addition to pals, household and advisors “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,” he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)