Chelsea have paid tribute to former winger Eden Hazard after the 32-year-old confirmed his retirement on Tuesday.
An injury-hit spell at Real Madrid brought a heartbreaking end to an illustrious career which saw Hazard win two Premier League titles across a seven-year spell with Chelsea, during which he established himself as one of the finest players to ever step foot in the division.
Fondly remembered as a club legend, Hazard’s retirement prompted a lengthy tribute from Chelsea on social media.
“In the flesh Eden Hazard was simply wonderful to watch,” a post read. “A world-class footballer who gave us that sense that this was a player who could do pretty much anything with a ball at his feet.
“And when at Eden’s feet, the ball was whatever he wanted it to be.
“His superpower was to move it with such precision, an ability to sneak through the tiniest of gaps, the little hole in the fence that only he could spot. Defenders would catch his eye, pause for breath, before he is gone once more – a shadow they think they saw in the mirror.
“This, you suspect, is why Blues fans would board the District line to Fulham Broadway on a Saturday, and filter into the Bridge through the streets surrounding Fulham Road: for those magical moments, those polaroids of genius, those flashes of perfection in miniature.
“The infamous goal against Arsenal. The solo strike against West Ham. Ending Tottenham’s title hopes. The Europa League final double. Screamers at Anfield not once, but twice. These were defining moments, memories that will carry on flickering away on endless replays in the back of our minds forever.
“And that is how the Eden Hazard legacy will remain. In our minds, forever. Happy retirement, to one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players.”
Hazard racked up a cool 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for Chelsea, winning the club’s Player of the Year award four times and earning spots in FIFPRO’s Men’s World 11 in both 2018 and 2019.