Eden Hazard Delivers Candid Verdict on Chelsea and Real Madrid Legacy
Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has set the record straight with a brutally honest assessment of his storied career, unequivocally declaring Real Madrid as the greatest club he has ever represented. The Belgian maestro, whose glittering seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge cemented his legendary status, offered these revealing thoughts following his participation in the recent Match for Hope charity fixture in Qatar.
A Dream Move Marred by Misfortune
Hazard's transition from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019 was one of the most anticipated transfers of its era, with the potential fee reportedly exceeding £150 million. His time in West London from 2012 to 2019 was nothing short of spectacular, where his dazzling skill and match-winning performances established him as one of the Premier League's most electrifying talents. However, his long-cherished dream of playing for Los Blancos swiftly transformed into a personal nightmare, as persistent and debilitating fitness issues ravaged his four-year tenure at the Bernabeu.
The gifted playmaker managed a mere 76 appearances for the Spanish giants, contributing just seven goals and twelve assists. Despite this stark statistical contrast to his prolific Chelsea output, he did depart Madrid having secured significant silverware, including two La Liga titles and a coveted Champions League winner's medal. His career concluded abruptly with a free transfer and subsequent retirement at the age of 32, a decision that surprised many within the football world.
The Ruthless Admission: "Madrid is Better"
In a revealing post-match interview in Qatar, Hazard was pressed to choose between his two most famous clubs. His response was unequivocal and left little room for interpretation. "No, Madrid is better," he stated. "My time at Chelsea was unbelievable but as a club, Madrid is the very best, it's number one."
He elaborated further on his lifelong allegiance, dismissing any notion of having joined their arch-rivals. "Would I have signed for Barcelona? No. My dream was Real Madrid since I was young," Hazard explained. "When I started playing football, my dream was to play for Madrid. I always told my dad that one day I want to play for Madrid. Of course, Barça with the way they play, Messi – but, Hala Madrid my friend."
Reflecting on Retirement and a Complicated Legacy
Since hanging up his boots, Hazard has reflected openly on his decision to retire and the complex emotions surrounding his Spanish chapter. When questioned about whether he could have continued playing, he offered a thoughtful response. "Good question. I think so, but I decided playing football was over because I had a lot of injuries, and I have no regrets. I enjoy it a lot," he told the Standard.
He admitted to missing certain aspects of the professional game, particularly the camaraderie. "I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now. I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things."
Despite the profound disappointment of his injury-ravaged spell, Hazard maintains a deep sense of pride and affection for his time at the Bernabeu. "It was my dream. I can tell you it was my dream even if the story was not that good with injuries and this and that," he confessed. "When I look back, and you can see some pictures of me wearing the white Real Madrid shirt, it makes me proud."
This candid admission provides a fascinating insight into the mind of a modern football great, whose career pinnacle at Chelsea was emotionally overshadowed by the fulfilment of a childhood dream at Real Madrid, however fraught with physical tribulations that chapter proved to be.
