Hazard: 'I've been resting for the past 3 years'

Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard joked that not playing much at Real Madrid has given him more energy to prolong his career, thereby denying retirement rumors.

Hazard retired from international football after Belgium were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in the group stage. He made his debut for the national team in 2008 and scored 33 goals in 126 appearances. The 32-year-old star was part of the golden generation of Belgian football, along with Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Yannick Carrasco and before that Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele but did not win any major titles. Their best achievement was the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup.

On June 17, the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) held a tribute to Hazard before the 1-1 draw with Austria in the third round of Group F of the Euro 2024 qualifiers at the Roy Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Hazard rode around the stadium in a car and was cheered by fans.

Hazard took a selfie while sitting in a convertible around the Roy Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 17 during a tribute ceremony held by the Belgian Football Association. Photo: RBFA — Hazard took a selfie while sitting in a convertible around the Roy Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 17 during a tribute ceremony held by the Belgian Football Association. Photo: *RBFA*

The 32-year-old winger later gave an interview to Belgian broadcaster RTBF . "Today I am very happy and have a lot of emotions," he said. "It shows that I did a lot of good things and it's a shame that Belgium didn't win. Watching games is not something I like to do. As a player you always want to help, so it's annoying to be on the sidelines."

Hazard also humorously summarized his four years at Real. "I've had two or three years off, and I still have energy," the 32-year-old half-joked.

According to Football Espana , Hazard's statement was aimed at coach Carlo Ancelotti - who has repeatedly publicly shown his disapproval of the Belgian star and is ready to let him leave Real. This season, Hazard was repeatedly pushed down to the B team before his contract was terminated a year early.

Since joining Real in 2019 for $136 million, Hazard has suffered a devastating injury and has struggled with weight gain. In total, the Belgian winger has missed 78 games in the past four years, more than he has played (76), and has scored just seven goals.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca , Hazard currently has three offers, from the US professional league MLS, Lille - where he started his professional career, and Molenbeek in Belgium. There is also information that Hazard is considering the possibility of retiring at the age of 32.

Hazard in Belgium jersey — Hazard in Belgium shirt.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder said the rumours were nonsense. Hazard wants to rest and spend time with his family after three difficult years in Spain before deciding on his future. He also stressed that he has no problems with injuries and can continue playing professionally.

Hazard played for the Royal Stade Brainois youth team from 1995 to 2003, AFC Tubize from 2003 to 2005, and then joined the Lille youth team. He was promoted to the first team in 2007, scoring 50 goals in 194 matches, and was a key factor in helping the club win the Ligue 1 and French Cup double in the 2010-2011 season.

In the summer of 2012, Hazard joined Chelsea for a fee of 40 million USD. During his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, he contributed 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 matches, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa Leagues.

Hong Duy

Source link