A Premier League club made a strategic move in attempting to sign Eden Hazard amidst speculations about his potential retirement. Despite legitimate interest in returning to the Premier League during the summer, Hazard declined the offer, leading some to believe retirement could be on the horizon.
Hazard’s career trajectory took an unfortunate turn after his move to Real Madrid for over £100 million in 2019. At Chelsea, he had enjoyed a stellar career, establishing himself as one of Europe’s finest and most gifted players. In 352 appearances for Chelsea, Hazard directly contributed to 202 goals and secured two Premier League titles. However, his success didn’t quite translate to Real Madrid, where he managed just three goals in his best season.
After four disappointing seasons with Real Madrid, Hazard departed the La Liga giants as a free agent, and at the age of 32, retirement loomed as a possibility. Nevertheless, Crystal Palace expressed interest in bringing him back to the Premier League, as confirmed by insider Dean Jones.
Despite the offers and opportunities, it appears that Hazard lacks the motivation to stage a comeback. His prolonged absence from the field, coupled with his limited involvement in his final season with Real Madrid, suggests that returning to peak performance might be a formidable challenge. Jones acknowledged this, noting that Hazard would need to work diligently to regain top condition.
Being a free agent means that Hazard is not limited in his choices, but he remains a self-assured individual, impervious to external pressures. The decision to continue his career or retire entirely rests solely on his terms, according to sources.
Considering Hazard’s current disinterest in joining a new team, Jones speculated that retirement might be increasingly likely. While it would be regrettable to witness a modern great stepping away from the sport, the last few seasons of Hazard’s career haven’t unfolded as expected. Nonetheless, he can look back on a brilliant peak before facing these challenges.
