Hazard recounts his ordeal with Real Madrid: A vaunted club. I didn't like the way we played

(Reuters)

Retired Belgian star Eden Hazard, former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder, revealed his ordeal and the failure of his experience with the Royal Club, considering that his failure to adapt there was due to the team’s style and culture, which did not match his personality.

In an interview with the French newspaper L'Equipe, Hazard described Real Madrid by saying, "It is a slightly proud club and I am not like that."

The Belgium international also apologized to the club and its fans for not meeting the high expectations set upon his arrival.

A dream come true

Hazard's trip to Real Madrid was the fulfillment of his childhood dream, driven by his admiration for his former star Zinedine Zidane, who was coaching the team, and the attraction of the famous white shirt and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Hazard: I loved Real Madrid because of Zidane. Now it is easy to say. Since I was young, I was a fan of Zidane. There was Zidane, so I loved Real Madrid and the Bernabeu. The white shirt has a magic that others do not have. Real Madrid is special. pic.twitter.com/dPccKihqLg

— Insider Real (@RMCFarab) February 3, 2024

Despite these aspirations, Hazard admits there is a mismatch between his personality and the club's culture, suggesting a conflict not only in style but in substance.

Hazard, who arrived at Real Madrid in 2019, a year after Ronaldo left for Juventus, said, "I have been a fan of Zinedine Zidane since I was a child. The Bernabeu, the white uniform. It has a magic that others do not have. Real Madrid is special."

"Beyond that, I don't think I'm right for this club. It's not like me. It's a bit of an ostentatious club and I'm not like that. I also didn't like the way we played if you compared it to other clubs. But this was my dream. I couldn't finish my career without coming," he added. to here".

Pressure

Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of excellence and titles translated into the pressure that Hazard felt intensely. His time at the club was marred by injuries and a struggle to adapt to the demands of playing at such a high level.

Hazard's account of his ordeal is frank, highlighting the physical and psychological damage inflicted on him.

“They say I was a evader,” Hazard said. “But I didn’t spend 16 years (as a professional) without training.”

He added, "It is true that some mornings I would arrive without sleeping well, and I did not feel it, and I had no desire, and when this is the case, I do not hide it. This is what allowed me to reset myself to start over. Then a mistake happened and it was over."

🚨🗣 Eden Hazard: “They say I was a lazy person, but I didn't spend 16 years not training. Yes, sometimes I would come in the morning without any desire, I didn't sleep enough, and when I looked like this I told them I didn't want to pass.” Someone has the ball, because I won't move from my place." pic.twitter.com/Y2oBihLvdy

- English Football News (@Silvr_EPL) February 3, 2024

Hazard apologizes

Hazard's apology to fans was poignant, as he acknowledged the gap between the hope represented by his signing and the reality of his contributions.

Hazard, who announced his retirement last October, said, “I felt sad for the Real Madrid fans and disappointed for them,” expressing his regret for not being able to “achieve the dreams that he and the fans shared.”

🚨 Did you feel any regrets after moving to Real Madrid?

Hazard: No, I was a little sad and disappointed for the fans

When I arrived, people were so full of hope I feel like I kind of let them down pic.twitter.com/ZlJS0fiViL

— EPL World (@EPLworld) February 3, 2024

As he continues to reside in Madrid, Hazard's thoughts offer an accurate perspective on his time with Real Madrid, which was marked by dreams, challenges and, ultimately, a frank acknowledgment of the difficulties he faced.

Hazard played only 76 matches with Real Madrid due to repeated injuries, and coach Carlo Ancelotti removed him from his account before officially announcing his retirement from playing.

Hazard joined Real from Chelsea in a record deal estimated at approximately 88.5 million pounds ($110 million) in addition to some add-ons, and he received a weekly salary of 400,000 pounds (about half a million dollars), becoming one of the highest-paid players in the club.

Despite his limited participation with Real Madrid, Hazard won many titles with the Spanish club, including the Champions League and two local league titles.

Source: Marca