Eden Hazard; “It’s a bit of a smug club and I’m not like that”

In an honest interview with L’Equipe, Eden Hazard, the former Real Madrid player, shed light on his departure from the club, his injury struggles, and the tranquility he’s found post-retirement. Since hanging up his boots in October 2023, Hazard has immersed himself in 7-a-side football matches and golf, all while closely following his sons’ football endeavors.

Hazard’s stint at Real Madrid, marked by highs and lows, saw him confront the challenges of fitting into the club’s culture. A childhood admirer of Zinedine Zidane and the allure of the Bernabéu, Hazard acknowledged the difficulties of playing for such a prestigious club but emphasized that joining Real Madrid had always been a dream he couldn’t ignore.

A significant setback occurred with a severe ankle injury during a Champions League match against PSG, altering Hazard’s trajectory. Reflecting on his struggles, Hazard admitted, “I had good preparation, I played well, but my body, the pain, the injuries…” The setbacks led to a decline in his confidence and desire to play.

Describing the pivotal moment when he realized his time at Real Madrid was over, Hazard disclosed a debilitating ankle infection that required surgery. Despite the challenges, he remained grateful for his successful career, acknowledging the privilege of being in the industry and making a substantial living.

Addressing criticisms about his weight, Hazard dismissed the notion that lifestyle choices were the primary cause of his injuries. Instead, he attributed his physical challenges to the toll of continuous play throughout his career, stating, “My body is making me pay for all these years in which I started early, almost non-stop.”

Comparison with Cristiano

Comparing his mentality to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, Hazard expressed that he never aspired to replicate the intense dedication to training and recovery. “If I had been like Cristiano, I would have been burned,” he admitted, highlighting his preference for a more relaxed approach to life off the pitch.

Disappointment in final game

Hazard also touched upon the disappointment of his final league game with Real Madrid, where he was left on the bench as a substitute, unable to bid farewell to the fans in the way he had envisioned. Despite the less-than-ideal ending, Hazard remains proud of his career, citing successful farewells at Lille and Chelsea.

Life after football

Now residing in Madrid, Hazard has embraced a quieter life away from the football frenzy, focusing on personal pursuits and supporting his sons in their football journeys. As he navigates this new chapter, Hazard reflects on football not just as a job but as a cherished game that he took as far as he could.