Eden Hazard shocks fans with unexpected statements on retirement and teases comeback

Eden Hazard, a former player for Chelsea and Belgium international, has talked about having a "perfect life" since quitting football, but he hasn't closed doors on the future.

Chirag

October 31, 2023

Eden Hazard Opens Up About His Retirement — Image via Getty Images

Eden Hazard has shared insights into his ‘ideal life’ since he announced his retirement from professional football, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential comeback.

The peak of the Belgian’s career was at Chelsea, where he spent seven successful years. During his time at the club, he secured two Premier League titles, along with the FA Cup and League Cup victories. In 2015, he received the PFA Player of the Year award, following his recognition as the PFA Young Player of the Year the previous year.

Hazard’s departure from Stamford Bridge in 2019 marked his move to Real Madrid in a club-record deal. However, his tenure in Spain was fraught with challenges, including multiple injuries and fitness issues. Over four seasons, he featured in just 30 La Liga matches, with a mere two appearances in the 2022/23 season.

During his stint with Chelsea, Hazard scored 110 goals, with half of them coming in the final three prolific seasons in West London. In contrast, his time at Real Madrid saw him score only seven goals, and he primarily served as a bit-part player.

Following the expiration of his contract with Real Madrid in the summer, Hazard became a free agent. Despite receiving multiple offers to return to professional football, he ultimately decided to retire at the age of 32.

Hazard made a public appearance when he presented the Kopa Trophy to Jude Bellingham during the Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony. During the event, Didier Drogba, the ceremony host, inquired about his retirement and his sentiments regarding the decision. Hazard responded candidly, saying, “I’m enjoying life, family and the kids, “I can do what I want. It’s a perfect life. At the moment I don’t miss playing football. Let’s see in a few months. My kids asked me to come to the Ballon d’Or so I said, ‘Okay, let’s go and spend the night in Paris.”

Hazard went on to express, “I’m at peace with myself. Now I’m happy. I have so many things to do outside of football that I was able to make a calm decision. I still watch football on television when I can. I also do other things, but at the moment I don’t miss playing football.”

“I did not want to go anywhere else just for the money. It was the best solution. I no longer enjoyed training…and I no longer was playing.”

On the international stage, Hazard played a pivotal role in helping Belgium secure third place in the 2018 World Cup. They were defeated by France in the semi-finals and then overcame England in the third-place match, with Hazard contributing with a goal.”