Blues icon Hazard thanks fans as injuries halt glittering career at 32

Eden Hazard paid a glowing tribute to his fans and former clubs after announcing his retirement at the age of 32.

The Chelsea legend joined Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £150million just four years ago but his LaLiga career failed to ignite after a series of injuries.

Announcing the news on Instagram, the Belgian wrote: "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 team-mates — 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 [Lille], Chelsea and Real Madrid, and thank 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.

"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."

Hazard made just 76 appearances for Los Blancos — scoring seven goals — and only managed 10 matches in 2022-23.

Those numbers do little justice to his career as a whole after a Chelsea stint that made him one of the greatest players in the West Londoners' history.

The former Lille man scored 110 goals in 352 matches for the Blues from 2012-19, playing a starring role in two Premier League title wins.

He also won the FA Cup, League Cup and two Europa Leagues in his time at Stamford Bridge as well as claiming the PFA and FWA Player of the Year gongs in 2015.

The 126-cap international won three different league titles in total having also claimed the Ligue 1 trophy with Lille in 2010-11.

He retires having made the fourth-most appearances and scored the second-most goals in the Belgian national team's history,