Five months after announcing his retirement, former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has come up with another update regarding his footballing story. This June, the Belgian will return to Stamford Bridge as revealed on his official Instagram accounts. However, it is not for The Blues he returns, but for the UNICEF World XI in a Soccer Aid match.
Eden Hazard opens up on his retirement
Speaking for the first time for UK’s media after retiring, Hazard talked about his post-playing days. The former Chelsea talisman said that he received some offers from the MLS and Saudi Pro League but decided to stick to his decision of retiring.
“I enjoy it a lot,” Hazard said about his retirement via Standard. “I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.
“I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things.”
Eden Hazard never regretted his move to Real Madrid
Considering his performance with Chelsea, Hazard came to Madrid with a huge expectation on his shoulder. But he never really managed to pull himself together and recreate the same magic as he did with The Blues.
Injury was one of the reasons why the balling artist was never seen again in scintillating form. He was even voted as Madrid’s worst signing in the 2020. Talking about this, he explained that he doesn not regret his move to the Sapnish giants.
“It was my dream,” he said. “I can tell you it was my dream even if the story was not that good with injuries and this and that. When I look back, and you can see some pictures of me wearing the white Real Madrid shirt, it makes me proud.”
Apart from the dark period, Hazard also talked about his best days as a footballer.
“My best season was the second season with [Jose] Mourinho when we won the Premier League and League Cup,” he says. “The manager was the Special One and it’s so hard to explain the feelings after games with the fans all happy.”
Eden Hazard talks about his managerial career plan
Regarding his post-playing life, Hazard admitted that he was not lured to be a professional manager. But a door is not totally closed, saying that he might be helping the next generation in understanding the beautiful game.
“I don’t know [what’s next],” he added. “I don’t think I’ll coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams. I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”
About his preparation for the Soccer Aid, Hazard said that he has spent quite some time training. He wants to give the fans the same experience they used to get watching him play for Chelsea in the Premier League.
“I don’t want to look like Peppa Pig! I play tennis, padel, run a bit, I play football with my friends and stay active.”
Hazard scored 167 goals from 623 matches when playing for Lille, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. He also reminisced back to his peak career including days where he was one of the most feared winger on the flank side.