Why Eden Hazard Turned Down Joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League – Unpacking Hazard’s Shock Retirement at 32
Former Belgium international, Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard shocked the football world when he announced his retirement aged 32 years.
Hazard retired after he was released by Real Madrid as a free agent with a year left in his deal at Los Blancos. He had four forgettable seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, which contributed to his decision to hang up his boots instead of finding a new club.
Upon his release from his Real Madrid contract, there was talk of a possible move to the Middle East or the MLS.
Speaking after playing a charity match alongside Robert Pires and Didier Deschamps, Hazard told reporters about speculation linking him to a move to the Saudi Pro League: “I wouldn’t play anywhere for money. I’m 32 years old and have a whole life ahead of me to enjoy away from the playing fields.”
Explaining his decision to retire from football entirely, Hazard indicated that he had lost the love of the game during his hellish spell at Real Madrid: “It is never easy to make a decision like that, but I am not going to say that it was difficult. It is something that I had reflected on a lot, I had the support of people who know me and who know that I really want to do other things with my life outside of football. Last season was complicated and when I left the national team I already had everything thought out. I no longer enjoyed going to training and as I played less it became more complicated.”
As one of the most gifted players of modern football hangs up his boots, one cannot help but wonder what could have happened if he chose to move to the Saudi Pro League and participate in the Saudi Project.
