After enduring a frustrating spell filled with persistent injury setbacks, Eden Hazard’s time at Real Madrid is set to come to an end.
The club confirmed that an agreement has been reached to rescind his contract a year ahead of schedule, meaning Hazard will leave the club this month.
The Belgian forward, 32, made the high-profile move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in July 2019, attracting a hefty transfer fee of €100 million. As one of the Premier League’s brightest stars at the time, Hazard was expected to make a significant impact in LaLiga. However, his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu has been marred by recurring injuries, preventing him from reaching his full potential.
This season, Hazard has made a meager six appearances in LaLiga, with four of them coming off the bench. Disappointingly, he has failed to find the back of the net in any of those matches. Recognizing the need for a fresh start, both parties agreed to part ways.
“Real Madrid C.F. and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will be released from the club as of June 30, 2023,” Madrid announced in a statement on Saturday. The club also took the opportunity to acknowledge Hazard’s contributions during his four seasons with them, during which they secured eight trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, Club World Cup, European Super Cup, two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Expressing gratitude for his time at the club, Real Madrid conveyed their best wishes to Hazard and his family for their future endeavors. The decision marks the end of an era for Hazard, who had once been regarded as one of the finest talents in European football.
Unfortunately, Hazard’s Madrid career was plagued by a series of injuries that hampered his progress. His troubles began during his first season when an ankle fracture required surgery, including the insertion of a metal plate. Subsequent complications persisted, leading to the removal of the plate two years later. These setbacks severely impacted his form and fitness, ultimately diminishing his effectiveness on the field.
Furthermore, Hazard faced stiff competition for his preferred left-wing position from emerging star Vinicius Junior. As the young Brazilian showcased his potential, Hazard found himself with limited opportunities to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. The combination of injuries and intense competition may have contributed to his decision to retire from international football in December 2022, following Belgium’s early exit from the World Cup.
While Hazard’s tenure at Real Madrid may not have lived up to expectations, his undeniable talent and past accomplishments will forever be remembered. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, football enthusiasts around the world will be curious to see where Hazard’s journey takes him and whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a global sensation.
