Real Madrid confirm Eden Hazard departure with ‘optional retirement’ for ex-Chelsea star

Real Madrid have revealed that Eden Hazard will be leaving the club this summer a year behind on his contract.

The Belgian signed for the La Liga giants in 2019 after a hugely successful spell at Chelsea but could now consider retirement.

Hazard shone in the Premier League and sealed a dream move to Madrid, but injuries plagued most of his time there.

A club statement said: “Real Madrid CF and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement under which the player will be released from the club as of June 30, 2023.

“Eden Hazard has been with our club for four seasons, during which he won 8 titles: 1 European Cup, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Super Cups. from Spain.

“Real Madrid want to express their affection for Eden Hazard and wish him and his whole family the best of luck in this new stage.”

He will now be without a club this summer, with questions being asked about his next destination.

Athletic have reported that ‘retirement is an option’ for the 32-year-old, but no decision has been made yet.

Even though Hazard recently expressed his intention to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will now leave after four seasons.

After 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 games for Chelsea, the winger signed for Madrid in a deal worth £142million.

He played just 22 games in his debut season which was plagued by various injuries and knocks, scoring one goal and providing seven assists.

Hazard would continue to struggle with injuries, particularly with muscle and his fibula, in subsequent campaigns with missing goalscoring contributions.

He has made just ten appearances this season and could be set to say goodbye to Madrid on Sunday in their final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao.