Just one week after ending his professional football career, Eden Hazard scored once and provided three assists in a charity match in Calais.
In a star-studded encounter against Team Calais, the former Chelsea player donned the No. 10 shirt for Le Varietes Club de France and looked like his old self, causing mischief on the right wing alongside players like Robert Pires.
Ludovic Giuly, Claude Puel, Yohan Cabaye, Didier Deschamps, and Wilfried, the father of Kylian Mbappe, were among the other players that participated.
Jens Lehmann was in goal, with Mathieu Debuchy, Laurent Blanc, Daniel Van Buyten, and Christian Karembeu forming the backline.
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Eden Hazard has proven he still has quality by scoring and assisting in a charity match following his retirement last week
The former Chelsea and Belgium favourite converted a neat finish for Varietes CF
The event brought in about £12,900 for Pieces Jaunes, a charity that supports children and teenagers in hospitals.
After announcing his retirement last week, Hazard—whose Real Madrid contract was terminated a year early—said he was no longer enjoying sport.
He said, “I always said that I would stop playing as soon as I no longer had fun on the field,” as reported by Fabrizio Romano via L’Avenir.
“I refused to go perform somewhere just to get paid.” I stopped playing and didn’t enjoy training. The choice was easy to make.
Last week, he posted on Instagram, saying, “You have to listen to yourself and know when to stop.”
It seemed like Hazard had never been away despite his quality declining towards the end of his career
Hazard played alongside a star-studded team including ex-France international and Real Madrid midfielder Christian Karembeu
Approximately £12,900 was raised by the match for a charity that assists children and teenagers in hospitals.
“I have made the decision to terminate my professional football career after 16 years and over 700 games played.”
I was able to fulfill my dream and play on numerous fields all over the world.
I had the good fortune to work with many amazing bosses, coaches, and colleagues throughout my career. I am grateful for these wonderful memories and will miss you all.
In addition, I would want to express my gratitude to the RBFA for my Belgian Selection and the clubs I have played for, LOSC, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
I would especially like to express my gratitude to my friends, family, advisors, and everyone who has supported me through good times and bad.
Hazard made a lasting impact at Chelsea during his seven years with the west London side
Hazard was instrumental in the Blues winning multiple titles – including two Europa Leagues – during his time in west London
The winger spent seven years with the Blues and earned two Premier League titles.
‘And lastly, a very big thank you to all of my fans who have supported me over the years and encouraged me wherever I have performed.
It’s time to enjoy my loved ones and go on new adventures right now. My buddies, I’ll see you off the field soon.
In addition to winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League with Real Madrid, Hazard also won the Premier League twice and the PFA Player of the Year award while playing for Chelsea.
Nevertheless, the Belgian winger missed 95 games for both club and country as a result of a staggering 18 individual injuries he sustained while playing in the Spanish city.
The Belgian was rarely hurt while playing for Chelsea, where he finished with 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 games.
Even though he won six titles with Madrid, his time there will not be remembered positively.
Hazard won six titles while having a small role in Madrid. In addition, he won the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
Hazard also won one FA Cup, one League Cup, and two Europa League championships while he was a player for the Blues.
During the 2014–15 season, Hazard received individual awards as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season.
In addition, he was named Chelsea Player of the Year four times.