Eden Hazard has finally called an end to a beautiful career. The Belgian forward had mesmerized fans all over the world, especially cementing his status as a Premier League legend during his time at Chelsea. He is still regarded as one of the greatest dribblers ever to play the game.
But despite having the ability to become one of the best players in the world, similar to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Hazard could not live up to their high standards. And he himself once explained why he could never reach their level.
Eden Hazard revealed his difference from Messi, Ronaldo
The former Chelsea magician was once thought to be one of the best players during his prime years at Stamford Bridge. His passing, dribbling and technical abilities made him into a dangerous opponent for any team. But despite all his talent, he never quite could reach the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two best players at the time who used to reach stats that were though unbelievable to achieve.
And Hazard himself admitted why in an interview as reported by the Evening Standard back in 2015. He admitted that he lacked the elite mentality of the two global stars to ever reach the records the two made. He believed that the mentality to score 50 goals a season while present in Messi and Ronaldo, was absent in him.
Eden Hazard admits he lacks ‘mentality' to match goals of #Ronaldo & #Messi http://t.co/ahQGESx1Kc pic.twitter.com/5Fg4Y6Y1rE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 3, 2015
In his own words, the Belgian said, “I often ask myself what I can do to become like Messi and Ronaldo and score 50 or 60 goals in a season.”
He admitted that he was never a true goalscorer, saying, “I try of course but I realise that I will never be a true scorer. It’s not in me. It is mainly mental. At 2-0, not thinking that is enough for example. Sometimes I still think after a goal, ‘that’s enough.'”
But despite not being able to reach those lofty stats, he was happy enough to register a good amount of goals. “I’m not in search of records like some other players – if I can score between 15 and 20 goals each season, I will be very happy.”
Eden Hazard announces retirement
Eden Hazard finally announced his retirement today, after a long illustrious career. He had ruined his career at Real Madrid, with injuries and fitness issues being major problems. After leaving Madrid, Hazard failed to find any club interested in him due to him not being the top player he once was. After a lengthy time, he decided it was time for him to quit.
Eden Hazard had begun his career at Lille where he became known as an electrifying player and one of the top talents of the future. He then made the move to Stamford Bridge, where he arguably became their greatest player ever. In 352 appearances, he scored 110 goals and helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Carabao Cup, and two Europa Leagues.
But it was not statistics that made him so feared. It was his attacking ability on the ball that made defenders tremble. Hazard was a dangerous dribbler, and is still remembered by many to be the best to ever do it.
Hazard made a big move to Madrid in 2019, but it didn’t work out with him being on the bench always if not in the squad due to injury. Furthermore, he had already retired from the Belgium national team after an underwhelming World Cup performance last year.
Eden Hazard may have retired, but he will still be remembered by those who watched him, as he was truly one of the last entertaining players of the last decade.
