Eden Hazard finally opens up on why he didn’t fit in at Real Madrid and it’s got people talking

Eden Hazard has provided a candid and sometimes blunt interview regarding his time at Real Madrid, which has been widely discussed.

The 33-year-old retired Belgium international, who ended his career in October last year, made a high-profile move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019 for a record fee of £88.5 million.

However, he found it challenging to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup at the Bernabeu.

In fact, due to numerous injuries, he only managed to make 54 league appearances during his four-year tenure in the Spanish capital, leading to the termination of his contract with Los Blancos at the end of June.

After spending several months as a free agent, Hazard eventually decided to retire. However, the former Lille winger has largely kept a low profile until this week, when he decided to share his thoughts with French publication L’Equipe.

Hazard addressed various topics, including the perennial debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, career regrets, and his tenure in the Spanish capital.

Regarding his time at Real Madrid, he reflected, “In hindsight, it’s easy to judge. As a child, I idolized Zinedine Zidane. The allure of the Bernabeu and the iconic white shirt… It holds a charm unlike any other.”

“Madrid holds a special place, but beyond that, I didn’t quite fit in. It’s a bit of an egotistical club, which doesn’t align with my personality. Our style of play didn’t resonate with me compared to other clubs,” Hazard remarked.

He also addressed criticisms regarding his work ethic, stating, “There were claims of laziness, but I’ve spent 16 years in the professional realm without slacking off. I participated in drills, in matches—I was always present.”

Hazard, who dismissed suggestions that he could have prolonged his career by emulating Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness regimen, explained, “I enjoy life, I like good food, spending time with friends, and having a drink. At Chelsea, I had just concluded one of my best seasons. I thought to myself, ‘Now that I’m at Real Madrid, this might be my last chance to truly relax…’

“So, I indulged as I do every summer. After seven years in England, with no breaks during Christmas, giving my all, when I finally have three or four weeks off, I make the most of it—barbecues, rosé wine, the works. It’s my way of resetting before starting anew. Then, things didn’t go as planned at Real Madrid, and that’s that.”

Regarding any regrets about his time in Madrid, he stated, “None. I felt sadness for the fans, and I was disappointed for them. When I arrived, they were brimming with hope.”