Eden Hazard has been hailed by former team-mate Juan Mata as 'one of the best' as a string of stars pay tribute to the Belgian international who has retired at the age of 32.
After being left without a club since he was released by Real Madrid in the summer, Premier League legend Hazard has confirmed his decision to retire from football via a post on social media.
Writing on Instagram, he said: '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 have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.'
Responding to his post, former team-mate Mata - who played with Hazard for a season and a half at Stamford Bridge before the Spaniard joined United in January 2014 - said: 'Oh how I enjoyed playing with this guy... One of the best.
'Enjoy your new chapter my friend, you deserve it, thanks for bringing your joy to football.'