Former Real Madrid star Eden Hazard today provided an insight into a whole host of fascinating topics, surrounding his time in Spain’s capital.
Winger Hazard, of course, linked up with Real back in 2019, in a hefty €115 million transfer from Premier League giants Chelsea.
The Belgian arrived with understandable pressure on his shoulders, widely regarded as one of world football’s finest in his role.
To say that Hazard subsequently failed to live up to expectations during his time at the Santiago Bernabéu, though, would be something of an understatement.
All told, across his four-year stint with Los Blancos, the Belgian international managed a measly 30 La Liga starts, giving rise to a grand total of four goals.
And yet, Hazard does not regret his decision to make the move to Spain close to five years ago.
This comes with as much having marked a ‘dream’ for the now-33-year-old, who opened up on the subject during an interview with ex-Chelsea teammate John Obi Mikel on Monday.
“Playing for Real Madrid was my dream,” Hazard explained during an appearance on The Obi One Podcast. “It did not go as I wanted but I played for a beautiful club.”
From here, the one-time Lille talent was drawn on his relationship with current Real midfielder Toni Kroos.
After Kroos spoke out regarding an anonymous ex-teammate in critical fashion following Hazard’s departure last summer, many quickly pointed towards the Belgian as having been the man targeted.
Hazard, however, in fact appears to maintain an excellent relationship with Kroos, having responded:
“He came to my house yesterday to pick up his kid. There’s no problem with him, people can think what they want (laughs).”
Lastly, the ‘GOAT’ debate was inevitably put to Hazard, with his arrival in Madrid having come just a year on from the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Drawn on his preference between the Portuguese and Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, though, the retired wide-man could not help but opt for the latter:
“For me, Messi is the one. People have different opinions. Ronaldo is the GOAT scorer, to bring you trophies. He will score goals when he is 50 years old. But I’m more [into the] style of play of Messi.”
Hazard then went on to add:
“But, for me, the greatest is Zidane. Then John Obi Mikel and Messi (laughs).”
Conor Laird | GSFN
