Despite the tribulations marking the latter phase of his football career, Eden Hazard is not yet ready to hang up his boots. The Belgian footballer communicated his determination to persevere in a recent conversation with RTBF on June 17, following his exit from Belgium's national squad.
In response to queries about his football journey's next steps, Hazard stated, "Honestly, I don't know yet. After three complicated years, I just want to spend time with my family, go on vacation. We'll see." However, he asserted, "I still feel capable of being a professional footballer, but at the same time, I've been resting for two or three years. I still have a bit of energy!"
Hazard, a renowned attacking midfielder/winger, earned recognition as one of his generation's stellar players, thanks to his remarkable dribbling skills, expansive field vision, and adept passing. His seven-season stint with Chelsea in the English Premier League during the mid-2010s was particularly noteworthy.
The 32-year-old player's demand was so considerable that Real Madrid, the Spanish La Liga behemoth, scooped him up for a reported €100 million ($109.37 million) fee and a £400,000 ($512,574) weekly contract during the 2019 summer transfer window. Expectations soared that Hazard would replicate his dazzling performance in Spain.
Instead, Hazard's tenure at Real Madrid was marred by recurrent injuries, including ankle problems and gastroenteritis, and the emerging talent Vinicius Junior gradually usurped his place in the starting 11. Consequently, Hazard's contribution to the team diminished considerably.
Hazard and Real Madrid have mutually agreed to part ways, effective from June 30. Real Madrid is already moving on, with the acquisition of promising midfield dynamo Jude Bellingham poised to fill the void.
Earlier this month, The Athletic suggested that Hazard might consider retiring from professional football. However, in light of his recent remarks, it wouldn't be a shock if another football club attempts to secure his services.
While Hazard's future course remains uncertain, there is speculation that he might emulate football legend Lionel Messi and transition to Major League Soccer in the United States.
