One former Premier League star looked unrecognisable after taking up a new sport. 

Fresh from hanging up his boots aged just 32 late last year, this mystery player has embraced the fine art of cycling and headed to one of France's most iconic climbs.

Taking to social media, he shared a photo of himself clad in a cycling team's jersey at the bottom of Mont Ventoux, a formidable mountain standing 1,910 metres high.

The picture, which showed the player holding up the peace sign with both hands, was accompanied by a short caption that read: 'Ready to climb...'

The iconic footballer is, of course, none other than Eden Hazard.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has entered the world of cycling

Hazard announced his retirement from the sport last October. He joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 for £89million but played just 54 league games for the club.

After leaving the club, he made the decision to bring an early halt to his career.

The talented forward, who won two Premier League titles during his scintillating spell at Stamford Bridge, believes he had 'said stop at the right time'.

And it appears he has now pursued a very different avenue during his free time.

In a bid to keep himself active, Hazard has entered the world of cycling and even formed a close partnership with Intermarche-Wanty, a Belgium-based team. 

Hazard visited the outfit and tested out bikes before settling on the Cube model.

'Eden Hazard starts his new career with Intermarche-Circus-Wanty,' the team said on social media alongside images of Hazard's trip. 'Eden and his brother Kylian visited our store Want You Bike and service course, they were seduced by our Cube Bikes. 

'Welcome to the family and enjoy your new adventures, guys!'

Before and after his climb up Mont Ventoux, Hazard and his travelling party, which also included brothers Thorgan, Ethan and Kylian, wore Intermarche-Wanty's colours.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will land a hefty £5m bonus from Hazard's move to Madrid after the LaLiga club reached the Champions League final at Wembley this evening.

Hazard joined the Spanish giants in an overall package worth £130m with more than £40m in add-ons depending on performance and results. The latest windfall was triggered after Madrid sealed their spot against Borussia Dortmund in London.