Eden Hazard, the Belgian football maestro, contemplated a sentimental return to LOSC Lille, the club where his illustrious career began. Despite this, he chose to retire in October 2023 without donning the Lille jersey once more. His journey from Lille to the heights of Chelsea and Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular, and while the allure of a final chapter at his starting grounds was strong, Hazard decided it was time to conclude his playing days. His legacy, however, remains an inspiration for many at Lille and beyond.
” I’ve always been clear on this. Lille is my club, my only French club and I couldn’t see myself in the shirt of another French team.
Before retiring, I even considered coming back, but it was too complicated and I didn’t have the desire anymore. It was complicated on a family level, we would have had to leave Madrid and my family is settled there. I had doubts in my head.
On the one hand, I wanted to come back because it would’ve been a magnificent story, but on the other hand my body was starting to malfunction. Why come back if I can’t perform? I wasn’t sure of being able to play to a good level given the injuries I’ve suffered over the past few years. When I speak of Lille, only one word comes to mind: MAGNIFICENT. From the start, when I was 14 years old, until the year I left (2012), it was magnificent, and not only on a footballing level.
Eden Hazard’s football journey is a tale of meteoric rise, challenges, and triumphs. From his early days at Lille’s youth academy, Hazard’s talent was evident, leading to an impressive record and a move to Chelsea where he became a Premier League star.
His subsequent transfer to Real Madrid was a dream move, but it was marred by injuries and other issues. Despite these setbacks, Hazard’s career boasts an enviable list of honors, including national league titles and European trophies, underscoring his impact on the sport.