Eden Hazard has no regrets about how his dream transfer to Real Madrid unfolded as he enjoys life after soccer.
The Belgian ahead joined the Spanish giants in 2019 after turning into one in all the finest gamers in the world at Chelsea however couldn’t have the influence he hoped for.
Injuries and poor type restricted him to simply 76 appearances in all competitions earlier than leaving the membership after 4 disappointing years final summer season.
He determined to retire quickly after, aged simply 32, however will put his boots again on this summer season after signing as much as play for the World XI at Soccer Aid.
Hazard nonetheless seems again on his time at the Bernabeu with delight.
“It was my dream, I can tell you,” he mentioned. “Even if the story was not that good, we all know injuries and this and that, but when you look back you can see some pictures of me wearing the Real Madrid shirt and it was something I am really proud of.”
Asked whether or not he may have carried on playing had issues ended otherwise at Madrid, he replied: “That’s a good question, who knows? I think so, but my time playing football was over, I had a lot of injuries, so no regrets.”
Hazard’s involvement in Soccer Aid on June 9 will see an emotional return to Stamford Bridge, the place he loved a stellar seven years.
He gained two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup and displays on “pure happiness” throughout his keep in west London.
“I spent seven years, the best memories of my football career,” he mentioned.
“I met nice gamers, not simply inside the group but in addition exterior the membership, it was seven years of pure happiness.
“When you leave you always feel a bit sad but this club is always in my head, so just good memories.”
Hazard, who has saved in form as a result of he doesn’t wish to appear to be “Peppa Pig”, is having fun with life away from soccer.
He doesn’t see a future in skilled teaching or administration, however would love to assist his 5 youngsters observe him into the sport.
“I am enjoying it a lot, I miss being with the lads in the dressing room a bit but I have the freedom to do what I want now,” he instructed the PA information company.
“I’ve youngsters, I’ve household, I can go to Belgium to see my mum and pa, so I can do lots of issues.
“I don’t know, now it’s simply good to be away, however I nonetheless love soccer, for positive I’m going to do one thing in soccer in the future, however now I simply wish to calm down and luxuriate in my retirement.
“I don’t think I will coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams. I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”
He will probably be managed by present Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino in the charity match, with the likes of Usain Bolt and Roberto Carlos becoming a member of him in the World XI.
“It’s going to be at Stamford Bridge with friends, so it is going to be a great night,” he mentioned.
“So let’s have enjoyable, rating some objectives and make the followers comfortable. They do wonderful work, particularly when you find yourself a dad and you’ve got youngsters and also you see every little thing they do for youngsters.
“You want them to do more and that is why you want people to come to the game to have a good time at Stamford Bridge.”
:: Soccer Aid for Unicef 2024 takes place on June 9 at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, with tickets obtainable at www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets.
Discussion about this post