In the end, his career as a player ended sooner than expected. Eden Hazard (32) retired from his active duty at the age of 32.
On the 10th (Korean time), Azar said through his personal social network service (SNS), “You must know how to stop at the right time. He played over 700 games over 16 years. “I have decided to end my career as a professional soccer player,” he said. “I have made my dream come true. I had fun playing in many stadiums around the world. I also met great people. “I am especially grateful to Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid and the Belgium national team,” he said, announcing his retirement from active duty. 카지노사이트랭크
He was once considered the best dribbler in the English Premier League (PL). Hazard shone brilliantly at Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 games. He has won several trophies, including the Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) Cup, and the UEFA Europa League (UEL). Hazard played a big role as an ace and played the role of Chelsea’s spearhead.
Real Madrid had high hopes for Hazard. Hazard left Chelsea for Real Madrid in the winter transfer window of 2019. Although there was less than a year left on his contract, Real Madrid invested 100 million euros (about 140 billion won) to bring him back. In addition, he expressed his expectations by giving the jersey number 7, which was used by Cristiano Ronaldo (38, Al Nasr).
However, Hazard remains one of Real Madrid’s worst signings ever. The bold dribbling he showed in the English Premier League (PL) was nowhere to be found. He even suffered from frequent injuries. He was criticized by fans and local media after recording only 7 goals and 11 assists in 73 games. Continued injuries and poor performance aroused the ire of club officials and fans. He even failed to control his weight, drawing criticism from local media.
He admitted it himself. When asked during an interview in 2019 whether he had gained weight, Azar responded, “I won’t hide it. It’s true. But he is on vacation. He gained 5kg. But he can get back in shape quickly if he cares.”
The director also gave up. In a recent interview with his country’s media, Hazard said, “I respect each other with coach Carlo Ancelotti, but we do not talk.” Coach Ancelotti even said the reason why Hazard was pushed out of the competition, saying, “Vinicius Junior is playing well in Hazard’s position.”
The transfer rumors continued. Including Turkye, a trip to the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) and even Saudi Arabia were mentioned. It was different from the Chelsea days. Hazard, who is considered a legend in the Premier League, was stigmatized as a ‘scam’ at Real Madrid.
His national team also left something to be desired. Hazard, who debuted with the Belgian senior national team in 2008 at the age of 17, completed his 14-year career with the team. He played an active role as Belgium’s undisputed ace, scoring 33 goals in 126 games. He was one of the mainstays of Belgium’s golden generation, appearing in three World Cups and two Euros. He helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Hazard participated in all three matches of Belgium’s 2022 Qatar World Cup, but was eliminated in the group stage with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. His lack of scoring ability was fatal. Belgium won the first game against Canada 1-0, but fell 0-2 and 0-0 in the matches against Morocco and Croatia, respectively. Even Belgian national team coach Roberto Martinez resigned, taking responsibility for his performance.
Belgium, which was considered a golden generation, ultimately failed to win a major trophy. Ace Hazard’s decline in skill and slump were the main reasons. Hazard reigned as the best winger in the English Premier League (PL) during his time at Chelsea, but fell into a slump after transferring to Real Madrid. Even world-class players such as Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) and Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) rarely showed their strength for the national team.
When it was announced that the striker of the era was retiring from the national team, many people expressed their respect. Belgium national team teammate Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce) left a comment on Hazard’s retirement post, saying, “Legend.” Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), once a key Belgian goalkeeper, said, “Hazar, thank you for creating an amazing moment.” Chelsea, where Hazard played very well, praised him through the club’s official channel, calling him “one of the greatest players in Belgian history.”
Until the end, several teams attempted to recruit Hazard. Although he failed at Real Madrid, his skills in his prime were very strong. Sports media ‘Football Transfer’ said in August, “Crystal Palace is planning a shocking transfer. “We are trying to recruit Hazard,” he said. “Palace owner Steve Parrish believes Hazard will be helpful commercially and game-wise. Palace manager Roy Hodgson is also positive about recruiting Hazard,” the report said.
On the 30th of the same month, ‘Daily Mail’ reported, “Premier League teams are closely watching Hazard’s situation. “There are concerns about his physical condition, but we are still interested in signing him.”
Hazard’s future was the subject of many speculations. However, Hazard’s choice was to retire from active duty. Hazard, who made his debut for French Ligue 1 side Lille in 2007, retired from his playing career in 2023. He debuted in the first team early on, but considering the recent trends in the soccer world, Hazard hung up his soccer shoes at a fairly young age.
Meanwhile, upon hearing the news of his retirement, Hazard’s former teams sent tributes to him through their respective social media accounts. Hazard’s professional debut team said: “Hazar’s professional career is coming to an end, but his achievements will forever remain in our memories. Hazard is the best talent raised by Lille. He said goodbye, “Thank you, Azhar.”
Chelsea continued: “Hazard was amazing to watch. He is a world class player who can do anything as long as he has the ball at his feet. And at Hazard’s feet, the ball was whatever he wanted it to be. The famous goal against Arsenal, the solitary strike against West Ham United and ending Tottenham’s title hopes. Two Europa League wins, making the crowds scream at Anfield not once but twice – these were defining moments, memories that will forever replay over and over again in the back of our minds. And that is how Hazard’s legacy will be remembered forever in our hearts. “Happy retirement to one of Chelsea’s best players of all time,” he said, congratulating the legend on his retirement.
When Hazard retired from active duty, Real Madrid did not forget his tribute. Through official channels, “Following Hazard’s announcement of his retirement, we would like to express our gratitude and warmth to the player who has signed with our club since 2019. In 4 seasons with Real Madrid, he won 8 cups (1 UCL title, 1 Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 2 Spanish La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, and 2 Spanish Cups). “Real Madrid wishes Hazard and his family all the best in this new phase of their lives.”
Even Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-min chose Hazard as the best player he ever faced, excluding Messi and Ronaldo.
Son Heung-min is recognized by everyone as one of the best strikers in the current Premier League. In the 2021-22 season, he was the Premier League’s top scorer alongside Mohamed Salah and was ranked 11th in the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious award.
He became Tottenham’s new captain. Son Heung-min, wearing the captain’s armband, is leading the team’s positive atmosphere with amazing leadership. He is also likely to win the Premier League Player of the Month award after scoring six goals in four games in September. Tottenham is leading the league this season with 6 wins and 2 draws, thanks to Son Heung-min’s performance. Son Heung-min also recalled Hazard’s Premier League days and said, “I didn’t know what to do.”
Soccer statistics media ‘Squawka’ reexamined Hazard’s performance. According to ‘Squawka’, since the 2006-07 season, there have been only two players in Europe’s top five leagues who have scored more than 15 goals and provided more than 15 assists more than twice in a season.
One was Lionel Messi. Messi has finished six seasons with more than 15 goals and 15 assists. Hazard recorded just two. This was the 2011–12 season, his first season at Chelsea, and the 2018–19 season, his last season at Chelsea.