BELGIUM
Eden Hazard: “I’ve been resting for three years”
Former Real Madrid player Eden Hazard discussed his future as well as his disappointing spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Eden Hazard smiled during a tribute paid to him by the Belgian FA on Saturday. The fans at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels made him feel at home and after an emotional moment, the player spoke to local television and gave some insight into his recent past and what the future holds for him.
“They made me very happy today, I felt a lot of emotion,” Hazard told RTBF after the final whistle. “It proves that I did a lot of good things, and only the three points were missing. Watching matches is not something I like to do. As a player, you always want to help, so it’s frustrating to be left on the sidelines.”
Hazard’s future
The Belgian was then asked about his future. “Honestly, I don’t know yet. After these three difficult years, I just want to spend time with my family, and go on holiday like everyone else.
“It’s true that in the last few days, I’ve read a lot about myself, and a lot of nonsense. I know I’m not giving you the answers you’re hoping for but I honestly don’t have them yet. Having said that, I’m still capable of being a professional footballer, my body can take it. I’ve been resting for two or three years, I still have energy,” he added.
Leaving Real Madrid
Real Madrid recently made Hazard’s departure official, although his contract actually expires on the 30th of this month. “Real Madrid C.F. and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player is released from the club as of 30 June 2023. Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, in which he has won 8 titles: 1 European Cup, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups. Real Madrid would like to express its affection to Eden Hazard and wishes him and all his family the best of luck in this new stage,” read the statement on 3 June.
Hazard has admitted that he has not had a good time at the LaLiga club. He arrived in 2019 after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and leaves the Santiago Bernabéu a season before the end of his contract. It hasn’t gone well, but he says there is still football in him.