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<\/p>\nEden Hazard will go down in history as one of the best Premier League players in history, but there will also be some thinking what could have been with the Belgian retiring at the age of 32. In today’s game, that is certainly earlier than most considering Karim Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last year at the age of 34.<\/p>\n
At Chelsea, Hazard was rarely injured and was at the peak of his powers, but his form and fitness dipped when he moved to Real Madrid in 2019. It should have been the dream partnership with Real in need of a superstar winger having sold Cristiano Ronaldo the year prior.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t to be though as Hazard played just 54 league games and scored just four goals in his four years at the Bernabeu. The Belgian star will be fondly remembered by Chelsea fans for his performances at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
But Hazard now joins a long list of football stars who had to end their careers early due to different circumstances.<\/p>\n
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A teenage sensation who was expected to be the next big thing to come through Arsenal’s academy saw his career peter out due to a long and arduous fitness battle. Xavi once tipped Wilshere to become the “future of English football”.<\/p>\n
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Sergio Aguero was hoping for a dream return to Spain when he got his move to Barcelona after ending his successful stint with Manchester City. But a devastating diagnosis of a heart condition forced the legendary striker into an early retirement. He’s since enjoyed his retirement though by joining in Argentina’s World Cup celebrations last year as well as City’s Champions League trophy.<\/p>\n
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A mercenary throughout his playing career and even more of an enigma since his retirement. But football fans were left devastated when the iconic striker retired at the age of 30 in 1997.<\/p>\n
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Ok, not exactly the same but definitely a shock decision nonetheless. The striker decided to retire from England duty at the age of 29 in 2000, despite going on to play six more seasons in the Premier League with Newcastle.<\/p>\n
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Paul Scholes seemingly took a leaf out of Alan Shearer’s book in 2004 as he too retired from international duty early, appearing to choose club over country. The iconic midfielder didn’t officially retire from professional football until 2013.<\/p>\n