The slightest of shifts forward from those in seats. The small intakes of breath in anticipation. The involuntary noises of excitement. All became signs of one thing inside Stamford Bridge: Eden Hazard was in possession of the football.

Such wonderment was deserved. Such reverence warranted. Hazard was a showman on the pitch. A footballing virtuoso. He did things others could not imagine. He scored goals others could only dream of.

Stoke away. Sunderland away. Tottenham at home; yes that goal. West Ham home. Liverpool away. Arsenal home. Liverpool away, again, perhaps the best of the lot.

Each created memories that are cherished by Blues supporters. Yet Hazard's enduring Chelsea legacy is not the goals. Nor necessarily the trophies he won: two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Europa League.

What made Hazard different, what created the everlasting adulation, is that he brought joy to Chelsea supporters – and perhaps even a rival fan or two – on a weekly basis.

An outlandish flick. An unfathomable dribble. An opponent left dazed on the turf. A goalkeeper caught out by sheer audacity. Hazard stirred emotions those watching first felt on school playgrounds or park pitches. He could transform football back to its purest form.

Recognition for this – and so much more – came in the form of four Player of the Year awards. It is a feat unmatched in Chelsea history, deserving appreciation of his influence over seven unforgettable seasons.

Hazard's first Premier League title was won in 2015. He scored 14 goals and registered a further nine assists. He was hailed as one of the world's outstanding players by Jose Mourinho, who also offered another description of the Belgian: 'The humble star.'

It remains an accurate reflection of Hazard, and it's what endeared him to teammates and club staff. There was no bravado off the pitch, no ego that needed massaging. He was a kind, courteous, and engaging family-focused man.

Across his seven years at Stamford Bridge, Hazard made 352 appearances. He never once played fewer than 40 games in a campaign; his durability was astounding given the punishment he would sustain from opposition defenders.

Not that Hazard complained. The late tackles, the constant clipping of his heels, and the blatant fouls were viewed as badges of honour. His mindset was simply to get up and go again. Chelsea reaped the benefits.

Hazard was a creative fulcrum in our 2017 Premier League title win. A year later, the winger would win a penalty, which he subsequently converted, to secure the FA Cup for the Blues.

And in 2019, Hazard produced a magnificent performance in the Europa League final. It proved his last game for Chelsea but he signed off with two goals and an assist as the Blues defeated Arsenal 4-1.

That night in Baku was the perfect farewell for Hazard, who embarked on a new challenge at Real Madrid later that summer. However, the emotional bond forged between the Belgium international and Chelsea supporters has remained strong.

It's why every Blues fan will wish Hazard well in his retirement; he certainly deserves, literally and figuratively, to put his feet up.

So, thank you for the memories and the moments, Eden. You were a true one-off.