Hazard hints at Chelsea return after Abramovich personally reached out to him

Belgium soccer star Eden Hazard has decided to retire from his football career at the age of 32 after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year.

Hazard had a bit of a tough time with injuries during his stint at Real Madrid, but he’s still warmly remembered for his fantastic performances at Chelsea. Over seven years, he became one of the best players in the Premier League and the world, wowing the fans at Stamford Bridge.

Of course, when you’re as talented as Hazard, other big teams take notice. He couldn’t resist the chance to join his dream club, Real Madrid, in 2019. However, there were talks about him returning to Chelsea just two years later.

In December 2021, it was said that Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea, personally tried to bring Hazard back to the club. Hazard had faced injury issues and might have been available for the right price.

But even though he loved Chelsea, Hazard had already made it clear a few months earlier that going back to Stamford Bridge was “out of the question.” He wanted to prove himself at his new team, Real Madrid.

In May 2021, he said, “I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question. Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.

“I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation. I know myself, and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan.”

Sadly, injuries limited Hazard’s time in Spain, and he played in just 76 games across four seasons at Real Madrid. He decided to hang up his boots on Tuesday after “listening” to himself.

In a message shared on social media, Hazard said: “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 realize 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 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. See you off the field soon, my friends.”