Eden Hazard left everyone stunned last year as he hung up his boots at 32. The former Real Madrid star, despite being amongst some of the most talented players, had a rough time during his time at the Spanish capital that saw him turn from one of the most desired players to a bench warmer at Santiago Bernabeu. The Belgian opened up on his early retirement during an interview, where he ruled out depression as the factor behind his life-changing decision.

Hazard endured a tough time at the club as he made just 76 appearances during his four years with the club. The Belgian did not make any major impact on the side, as he found the back of the net just 7 times before announcing his exit from the club last summer.

Eden Hazard speaks up on his early retirement

The Belgian commented on the factors behind his retirement in an interview with L’Equipe. Talking with the French media outlet, Hazard stated, “Did I suffer? No. I’m lucky to have been in this industry and to have earned a lot of money. People fight every day. I have no right to complain, not even when I’m not playing, not even being injured saying that life sucks. Impossible.”

He continued, “It hurt but on the other hand. In the end, I used it as an excuse: ‘It hurts, I really can’t do it’. I wasn’t depressed, but I didn’t feel like it anymore. I simply had neither the energy nor the strength. It didn’t make any sense, it was over.”

Things turned sour for Hazard during his final year with Los Blancos. The player had a falling out with head coach Carlo Ancelotti over his playing time and contract. However, the winger did add that he had immense respect for his manger despite their rocky relationship.

READ MORE: “I Didn’t Even Like the Way We Played”- Eden Hazard Accepts He Was a Misfit at Real Madrid

Hazard comments on his rift with Carlo Ancelotti

The Belgian star majority of his time on the bench during his time at the Spanish capital. The lack of playing time under head coach Carlo Ancelotti took a toll on his relation with the manager as the winger opened up his rift with the manager back in 2023. Hazard in an interview claimed that despite their mutual respect, Hazard and Ancelotti did not have any type of communication for each other.

The ex-Chelsea star added that he was disappointed with the lack of playing time under the manager and only wanted opportunities to earn his place into the side. However, his words did not have much effect on the team who decided to let go off the player following the end of his contract. Do you think Eden Hazard made a mistake moving to Real Madrid? Let us know in the comments below.

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