Eden Hazard was considered one of the world’s best players in the Premier League in his prime. The former Belgium international instantly became a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, thanks to his blistering pace, excellent ball control, and a great eye for goal.
His achievements at Chelsea led to a record move to Real Madrid, a move that proved to be the final straw for the Belgian. At 32, Eden Hazard shockingly announced his retirement from the game, causing an outpour of support from fans. One of these messages was sent by Kevin Nolan, hoping to bring Hazard out of retirement for a trial at West Ham.
Who is Kevin Nolan?
Kevin Nolan is a famous name as far as West Ham is concerned. The Englishman played for West Ham between 2011 and 2015, becoming a club legend in the process. While Kevin Nolan went on to become a popular figure at West Ham, he did not begin his career at the London club.
The Liverpool-born former midfielder started his career at Bolton Wanderers, progressing through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut for the club in 2000. Nolan went on to make 296 appearances for Bolton, scoring 40 goals as a deep-lying midfielder before leaving the club in 2009 to sign for Newcastle United.
Nolan had a good few seasons at Newcastle, where he played 85 games and scored 29 goals before making another switch to West Ham in 2011, where he spent the next four years of his career. He captained the club in the Championship play-off final against Blackpool in 2012, helping his club back into the Premier League after they suffered relegation the previous season.
He left the club in 2015 to have player-manager roles in Leyton Orient and Notts County before returning to West Ham to become an assistant, a role he continues to assume.
Eden Hazard offered trial by West Ham’s Kevin Nolan
Eden Hazard may have recently hung his boots, but that did not stop West Ham’s Kevin Nolan from offering the Belgian a trial to play for David Moyes’ side. In a conversation with talkSPORT Driver, Nolan said, “I’d have the Hazard of Chelsea at West Ham, yeah. I’m sure if he wanted to come and trial, we would. I mean, I’d certainly be willing to. I don’t know about the gaffer, but I’d certainly want to trial him.”
Nolan went on to pay his tribute to Eden Hazard and expressed his belief that the 32-year-old may make a U-turn on his decision to retire. “Some of the best years in the Premier League, he’s been part of and some of the best goals. It’s sad that at 32, he’s decided to bow out, in all honesty because I believe someone of his caliber of play could play at the top level for plenty more years. I wouldn’t be surprised if we got a little bit of a reverse on that in the next six months to a year,” he said.
Hazard was released by Real Madrid at the end of last season and had the chance to play in the Premier League again, but fitness issues cost him a return to England. The Belgian also declined the chance to play with Lionel Messi in the MLS as he turned down an offer from Inter Miami.
Will Eden Hazard make a U-turn on his retirement decision? Tell us what you think in the comments.
