Former Real Madrid star Eden Hazard recently spoke out about his time at the club, taking a swipe at his former teammates and the club itself. In an interview with L'Equipe, Hazard described Real Madrid as a 'big-headed' club, claiming that he didn't fit in and didn't like the way they played compared to other clubs.
Hazard's transfer to Real Madrid in 2019 was a highly anticipated move, with the Belgian international joining the Spanish giants from Chelsea in a deal worth up to $164 million (£130 million). However, his time at the Bernabeu was marred by a series of unfortunate injuries, which led to the termination of his five-year contract in June 2023 and his subsequent retirement from football in October of the same year.
Reflecting on his time in Spain, Hazard admitted that joining Real Madrid had been a dream of his since childhood. 'The Bernabeu, the white shirt... it has a charm that the others don't have. Madrid is special,' he said. However, he also acknowledged that he didn't feel he fit in with the club's mentality, describing it as 'big-headed.' Hazard further added, 'I didn't even like the way we played if you compare it with other clubs. But it was my dream. I couldn't finish my career without coming here.'
Hazard expressed his desire to have done things his own way and to have succeeded at Real Madrid. He acknowledged the challenges of playing for such a prestigious club, stating that 'Madrid is bigger than anything else' and that it is difficult to succeed there. He also mentioned the impact of injuries on his performance, particularly lamenting the timing of his worst injuries. He revealed that he had undergone an operation, returned to play through pain, and ultimately struggled to perform at his best.
Addressing the controversy surrounding his weight, Hazard admitted that he arrived at Real Madrid overweight. He attributed this to the mindset of having just finished an exceptional season with Chelsea and wanting to enjoy a vacation before joining the Spanish club. Hazard emphasized that after seven years in England without a Christmas break, he indulged himself during the three to four-week break with barbecues and rose wine. However, he acknowledged that things went wrong once he arrived at Madrid.
Hazard's comments have undoubtedly stirred up discussion among fans and pundits alike. While his time at Real Madrid may not have lived up to expectations, it is clear that he had a deep admiration for the club and a desire to succeed. Ultimately, injuries and perhaps a lack of compatibility with the club's playing style prevented him from realizing his full potential at the Bernabeu.
