“I Didn’t Go 16 Years Without Training”- Eden Hazard On His ‘Lazy Person’ Image

“They say I was a lazy person.” These stinging words, uttered by Eden Hazard himself, paint a stark picture of the Belgian’s tumultuous time at Real Madrid. Arriving at the Bernabeu in 2019 as a world-class talent, Hazard’s career in Spain was ultimately hampered by injuries, poor run of form, and the persistent label of being ‘lazy.’ In a candid interview with French outlet L’Equipe, the former Chelsea star addressed the lingering perception of him being lazy during his time in the Spanish capital.

Soon after he joined Zinedine Zidane’s squad on a pre-season tour in 2019, reports surfaced about Eden Hazard’s weight becoming a concern. The Belgian was alleged to have reported for the duty weighing 5 kilos more, causing friction among the Real Madrid faithful. Addressing the ‘lazy person’ tag, Hazard said, “They say I was a lazy person. But I didn’t go sixteen years without training. The games, the races, I was there.” However, he also confessed that there were days when he arrived for training without desire and hunger.

“It is true that some mornings I arrived without good sleep, without wanting to, and when it is so, I show it. ‘Don’t give me the ball. I won’t move a square meter.’”

It came as a serious admission by a player, who at the pinnacle of his career, found himself struggling with both physical and mental challenges.

Eden Hazard’s love for a ‘hedonistic’ lifestyle

Hazard extended the conversation to his dietary habits. He delved into his lifestyle choices and acknowledged living a carefree ‘hedonistic’ lifestyle. The Belgian stated that he enjoys the finer things in life – good food, friends, and a relaxed approach. “I’m a hedonist, I like to eat and drink with my friends. Dieting is bullshit, it doesn’t work,” Hazard claimed boldly.

With these admissions, it becomes more clear now about the challenges faced by Eden Hazard in maintaining peak physical condition. His time at Real Madrid was also marred by numerous injury setbacks, restricting him to just 76 games over four seasons.

Carlo Ancelotti ultimately sidelined Hazard due to his repeated setbacks, and the Belgian star had to call off his playing career. Despite Hazard’s struggles, Real Madrid continued to achieve great success, highlighting the club’s character beyond individual players.

READ MORE: Eden Hazard Reveals the Painful Morning When He Lost His Confidence at Real Madrid- “I Lost My Place”

So, what if Hazard had been at his best? Could he have been the missing piece, propelling Los Blancos to even greater heights? The answer unfortunately lies in the hypothetical realm. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the former Belgian maestro in his career after soccer.

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