Eden Hazard‘s dream move to Real Madrid in 2019 was supposed to be the crowning jewel of his career. The magician from Chelsea, arriving as a Galactico, was expected to inherit the mantle of Cristiano Ronaldo and display his talent at the Bernabeu. However, the Belgian star’s fairytale quickly turned into a nightmare, hampered by injuries, dwindling form, and a heartbreaking loss of confidence. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Hazard peeled back the curtain on his struggles, revealing the painful morning that marked a turning point in his career.
“One morning, when I woke up, I had a lump on my ankle. Infection. I’m going to have surgery again, which is what I wanted and asked for,” Hazard stated. The surgery, initially seen as a path to recovery, became a gateway to a vicious cycle of setbacks, as the winger found himself grappling with the loss of self-belief. “I had two more years left of the contract and I said to myself: ‘Go ahead, try to move.’ But I lost my place, my confidence, and then my desire,” Hazard added.
The physical pain was agonizing for Hazard, however, the mental toll was even more devastating. From battling up for his place amongst the world-class talent to waking up in pain seemed like a brutal transition for the Belgian star. “I went from being hard in front of guys who were pulling my knee off, to getting up with pain from the bed… I would have liked to understand why but I couldn’t,” Hazard remarked.
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Eden Hazard’s painful fall at Real Madrid
Endowed with a #7 shirt, Eden Hazard was appointed as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the script took a wrong turn as injuries and loss of form changed the dynamics completely for Hazard. The statistics reflect his disastrous tenure – seven goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances for Los Blancos. The torch of No.& shirt became a burden rather than an honor for Hazard, and the weight of expectations seemingly crumbled upon him.
The once-promising Real Madrid career came to a premature end as Hazard terminated his five-year contract in June 2023. He said goodbye to soccer in October of the same year, leaving fans to ponder about the behind-the-scenes of his decision. Hazard’s story highlights the fragility of sporting careers and the devastating impact injuries can have on an athlete’s mindset. In choosing to walk away, Hazard prioritized his well-being and health, a decision that calls for respect and understanding.
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in the aftermath of the Belgian’s revelation, fans are left to think about the ‘what-ifs’ and untold stories of Hazard’s career. Though he was destined for greatness, his career was untimely derailed by some unfortunate events. Despite everything, Eden Hazard’s legacy as a skilled and captivating player remains.
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