It's official! Azar has announced the end of his career

Former Real Madrid, Chelsea, Lille and Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard has announced his retirement.

"You have to listen to yourself and say 'stop' in time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I was able to realise my dream, I played and had fun on many fields around the world.

Throughout my career, I was lucky enough to meet some great managers, coaches and teammates - thank you all for those great moments, I will miss you all. I also want to thank the clubs I played for: "Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid. And thank you to the Belgian national team.

A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have stood by me through good times and bad. Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me all these years and for your support wherever I have played. Now it's time to enjoy my family and have some new experiences. See you soon off the pitch, my friends," Azar wrote on his Instagram page.

As a player, Azar has won the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1.