Eden Hazard ‘plans to retire after ripping up his Real Madrid contract early
Reports suggest that Eden Hazard, the forward for Real Madrid, has decided to end his professional football career at the age of 32. After terminating his contract with Real Madrid prematurely, Hazard’s underwhelming tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu came to a close, a year ahead of schedule.
Having already retired from international duty after Belgium’s disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, recent information from Spain indicates that Hazard plans to remain in Madrid, making retirement a viable option for him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Hazard and his family desire to stay in the capital city, and this has become a significant factor in his recent considerations.
This leaves him with a challenging choice: either seek a new club in the vicinity or retire from a career that once positioned him among Europe’s top footballers prior to his move to Real Madrid.
In an official statement on their website, Real Madrid CF announced, “Real Madrid CF and Eden Hazard have mutually agreed to terminate the player’s contract as of June 30, 2023. Eden Hazard has been an integral part of our club for four seasons, during which he secured eight titles: one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two League titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups. Real Madrid expresses its fondness for Eden Hazard and extends its best wishes to him and his family in this new phase.”
Despite retiring at the relatively young age of 32, Eden Hazard’s decision is not entirely surprising considering his recent struggles and diminishing passion for the game. In contrast to players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who continue to perform at an advanced age, Hazard’s desire to retire seems rooted in personal circumstances rather than physical limitations.
Hazard’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid was marred by injuries, resulting in limited playing time and a disappointing statistical output. His time at Real Madrid saw him make just 76 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists, which pales in comparison to his previous performances that established him as one of the most talented players of his generation.
Despite the early termination of his contract, there were no reports of any significant issues within the club. Unlike Gareth Bale, Hazard reportedly integrated well with the squad, being fluent in Spanish and smoothly adapting to life in Madrid. His desire to remain in the city is further strengthened by the recent enrollment of his son, Leo, in Real Madrid’s youth setup.
While retirement appears to be the most likely outcome, there are reports suggesting that Hazard may consider opportunities in the MLS or engage in other intriguing projects. Additionally, lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia could potentially tempt him, presenting a challenging decision in the face of financial incentives.
Eden Hazard ‘plans to retire after ripping up his Real Madrid contract early
