In a remarkably candid revelation that will shock Chelsea supporters, Eden Hazard has admitted his professional standards slipped dramatically during his final seasons at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian wizard, who completed a £130 million move to Real Madrid in 2019, made the stunning confession while reflecting on his Chelsea career and specifically his fitness levels ahead of major matches.
The Liverpool Admission That Will Stun Fans
"There were times at Chelsea where I wasn't fully professional," Hazard revealed during an interview on John Obi Mikel's podcast. "If I had to play on a Saturday, sometimes I wouldn't train 100% on Friday."
The former fan favourite specifically referenced Chelsea's intense rivalry with Liverpool, admitting: "When we played against Liverpool, I remember I wasn't even fresh."
This admission is particularly surprising given Hazard's status as Chelsea's talisman during his seven-year spell in West London, where he won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, and an FA Cup.
From Chelsea Hero to Real Madrid Nightmare
Hazard's time at Real Madrid proved disastrous, with the Belgian making just 76 appearances across four seasons before retiring from professional football last year.
His confession suggests the fitness issues that plagued his Madrid career may have begun developing during his final campaigns with Chelsea.
"I was like, 'I'm not fresh' but when I'm on the pitch, I'm fresh," Hazard explained, attempting to justify his mindset at the time. However, the statistics tell a different story, with his final Chelsea season showing clear signs of decline despite moments of brilliance.
A Warning for Today's Superstars
Hazard's story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining peak physical condition, even for naturally gifted players.
His admission raises questions about:
- Player discipline in modern football
- The long-term impact of minor fitness compromises
- How superstar status can sometimes mask underlying issues
Chelsea fans who worshipped Hazard during his peak years will likely find these revelations both surprising and disappointing, given the incredible standards he set during his best campaigns in blue.
