Eden Hazard announced on social media that injury problems have prompted him to ‘listen to his body’ and retire.

At Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard is still a beloved figure. Before hanging up his boots, the former Chelsea player made sure to give his old team a farewell present. Tuesday marked the winger’s retirement, coming just weeks after he assisted the Blues in acquiring Romeo Lavia from Southampton.

In a statement posted on his Instagram page, Hazard disclosed that after four unsuccessful years at Real Madrid, injuries had forced the Belgian international to retire. “You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” the 32-year-old wrote. I’ve made the decision to retire from professional football after 16 years and more than 700 games played.

“I was able to fulfill my ambition and play on numerous pitches all over the world with enjoyment. I had the good fortune to work with many amazing managers, coaches, and teammates throughout my career. I am grateful for these wonderful memories and will miss you all.”

Hazard received a lot of support, particularly from Chelsea fans who were grateful for his contribution to the team’s two Premier League championships. Nevertheless, as Express Sport first revealed, the former Lille player may have benefited the team in the future as well, having been instrumental in Lavia’s recommendation to sign with the Blues during the summer.

 

Joe Shields, Chelsea’s director of recruitment, spearheaded the team’s pursuit of the midfield player and laid most of the foundation for the move during the previous season. Shields had worked with Lavia at Southampton and Manchester City. But before committing a £58 million transfer to the Blues, the 19-year-old also had a conversation with Hazard about the team, and he rejected a move to Liverpool.

When Lavia discussed his time at Chelsea with his Belgium international teammate prior to the World Cup, Hazard aggressively urged the young player to seize the chance to join the team should the opportunity arise, which it did.

Although the chat took place months later, Lavia may have decided to sign a seven-year contract with Chelsea instead of moving to Liverpool in the summer because of the message he received. In addition, Hazard appeared in the midfielder’s signing announcement. During their video call, the two revealed further details about their romantic relationship.

When Lavia is introduced as the Blues’ new No. 45 in video posted to social media, Hazard can be heard enquiring, “Are you a blue now or what?” Lavia then retorted, “I’m getting to know your old place,” before going on to say that because of Hazard’s history at Chelsea, there is a lot of pressure to be a Belgian at Chelsea.

Lavia’s injury has prevented him from playing for Mauricio Pochettino’s team, but given his price tag and the promise he displayed at Southampton, it seems likely that he will play a major role for the team in the near and long terms. Hazard will also be hoping that his farewell present would make his old side proud of him.