Real Madrid News
Eden Hazard opens up on retirement: “I spent difficult years at Real Madrid”
It was not long ago that Eden Hazard announced his retirement from the beautiful game. The world lamented the steep downfall of the player, who at one point was considered the one of best players in the game, but accepted his decision as a personal choice.
The Belgian is now totally free from the shackles of club and international commitments. Yet, he took to the field one week after announcing his retirement as the captain of Varietes Club de France in a charity game last night.
Speaking to the media after the game, he elaborated on the reason why he opted to call it quits from professional football.
“I always said that I would stop playing as soon as I no longer had fun on the field,” he stated, as quoted by AS.
Hazard also went on to add that, beyond a point, he stopped enjoying playing the game on the field amidst the pressure and attention.
“I spent difficult years at Real Madrid, I always said I would stop when I was no longer having fun. And I stopped having fun training. And besides, I didn’t play.
“The decision was simple, and I can say that I played for Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I didn’t want to go play anywhere for money.”
As Thibaut Courtois said in a recent interview, it is a shame that the magical winger’s career took such a steep fall, Yet, one must respect Hazard for all he has done for the beautiful game, especially during his time at Chelsea.
The Belgian’s spell at Real Madrid was largely forgettable, for he never really got going at the Spanish capital. From arriving overweight on his first day to the vicious cycle of injuries, Hazard soon sank into oblivion at the club.
He did win it all at the club, but not in the manner he would have wished to have.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
