Real Madrid News
Eden Hazard reflects on Real Madrid stint: “It was my dream but did not go as I wanted”
Former Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has said that playing for the Los Blancos was his dream and although his tenure did not go as he would have hoped, the time he spent with the club was amazing.
Hazard, now 33, retired from professional football at the age of 32 after struggling with fitness throughout his time at Real Madrid. For someone who was bought for more than €100 million, a lot was expected, but the story did not have a happy ending.
“Playing for Real Madrid was my dream. It did not go as I wanted but I played for a beautiful club,” Hazard told The Obi One Podcast.
The former forward added that he was extremely unlucky during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially because he had to do his recovery alone at home.
“I think I was unlucky at that stage with Covid. I went to Dallas to have surgery and when I came to Madrid, Covid was already there. And in two months of confinement alone at home, I was recovering.”
He admitted that while he thought the routine he adapted was enough for him to be match fit, this wasn’t the case.
“I did exercises at home and that was enough for me. I didn’t think there was more to do. After two months I realized that I should have done more. When I returned to the field, I noticed that,” he added.
Hazard’s body gave up entirely
Speaking about his troubles, the 33-year-old explained that during the 2019-20 season when Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions, he asked his then-coach, Zinedine Zidane, to use his services more often.
However, upon becoming the champion, he realized that his body was just not supporting his ideas.
“We were very close to becoming champions of the league, so I told Zidane: ‘I want to help, I want to press.’ Then on the day we became champions I said: ‘No, I can’t do more’. My body is suffering a lot, so I need proper rehabilitation, but this was already the end of the season.”
Hazard was largely criticised for being overweight during his time at Real Madrid and while explaining the same, although he admitted everything, he also said,
“Every summer I gained 4 or 5 kilograms because I thought I had already done a lot for ten months. You put your body at the highest level and people ignore you. So your free time is your free time.”
What would he change about his career?
Hazard spent three and a half seasons with Real Madrid but couldn’t even reach a century of appearances while scoring a mere seven goals. His best tally came during his second campaign where he could only muster three goals in La Liga.
Upon asking if there was anything he would like to change from that time, Hazard explained,
“If I had to choose to change just one thing, it would be to ask the doctor to bring in a physiotherapist. When we got back on the field, I hurt myself, but my ankle wasn’t the same again and I broke it all the next season. And the rest, you know the story.”
Despite his struggles, there were flashes of his brilliance and the 33-year-old admitted that he felt the same.
“But if you look at my whole career, the first month of the season is the part that I thought was just the beginning, and then, starting from September and October, I was flying, because I needed time.”
Eventually, when everything just stopped working for the winger, in October 2023, he decided to call time on his career.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster determined to become a permanent fixture in team under Mourinho
In a season so far that has produced mixed results, Arda Guler has emerged as one of the bright sparks for Real Madrid this season.
The young Turkish international has proven his worth on multiple occasions, offering real spark and creativity in Real Madrid’s final third.
Guler’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with the playmaker having reportedly reached agreement on a fresh contract until 2032 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Guler wants to become a starter
According to AS (h/t RM4Arab), Guler is determined to leave his own mark at Real Madrid and firmly establish himself as a regular starter under Jose Mourinho.
The role the Turk aspires to is one that brings more vitality to the team while also improving the performances of those around him.
It is a lofty ambition, but one that reflects the growing confidence of a player who has already begun to show his true level.
That development has been met with significant appreciation within the club, where Guler is increasingly viewed as a key part of Real Madrid’s present and future.
Unfazed by fierce competition
What makes Guler’s determination all the more admirable is his willingness to take on the challenge despite the star-studded attacking options ahead of him.
The 21-year-old is well aware that the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe all rank ahead of him and appear to be near-impeccable options for Mourinho.
However, the report makes clear that Guler is not afraid of the competition and is instead relishing the opportunity to prove himself.
That fearless attitude has already been evident in his displays, with Guler having piled pressure on the club’s €140 million signing Yan Diomande following his impact against Rayo Vallecano.
Guler’s determination is a great sign for Real Madrid and it may well be a matter of time before he forces his way into the starting eleven on a permanent basis.
