Of an open and jovial nature, Eden Hazard has never really shown himself from this angle in Spain. At least with journalists. The proof? Arrived in 2019, the captain of the Devils had never offered an interview to a media in the country.
This Tuesday evening, he repaired this shortcoming and explained why he was so discreet in the media despite all the mayhem to which he was sometimes subject. “I like journalists”he begins for Marca. “But it’s very difficult to talk when you’re not playing. I prefer to play and then talk. I’m sorry because I love people like you (Editor’s note journalists) but I was not in a good position to express myself.”
The tone is set and the first theme is launched: his playing time, the source of a lot of hassle in Belgium. Clearly, he misses football, like when the reporter asks him if football still makes him happy. “When I’m not playing, it’s difficult. But football is my life. All I want is to play!”. However, he remains lucid about the situation. “If I had to give a rating out of 10 since my arrival? 0 for the way I play because I don’t play. But 10 for the way I live this moment with the team.”
“In January, a departure is impossible. But in summer…”
In his situation, many players would have already taken to their heels. Despite the rumours, he was never contacted by Chelsea. Nor by any other team. Could the situation change after the World Cup? “In January, it’s impossible. I have family here and I love the city”he assures. “But in the summer, it’s possible that I leave. I have one year left on my contract and it’s up to the club to decide. If the leaders tell me ‘Eden thank you for these four years but you have to leave’, I have to accept it.”
One thing is certain, the striker wants to leave another trace of his time at the club. And he wants to send a message to the supporters. “I’m sorry. I’m trying but… I don’t play and I would like to play more. To show more that I am able to wear this shirt, to prove that I haven’t lost my qualities and that I am still a good player. (…) I’m really sorry, I’m sorry for what happened”he launched. “Wearing the Real Madrid jersey was my childhood dream.”
The World Cup to put the points back on the I
After all the criticism of which he is the subject, Eden Hazard especially wants to find his level. And clearly, the World Cup in Qatar can give new impetus to his career. “I want to prove to everyone that I can still play football well”he said, determined. “People doubt me and the World Cup can help revive me.”
After his last three years, Eden Hazard understands the doubts he is subject to. “Of course I understand that”he explains intelligently. “I have to show when I play, be it 5, 10 or 15 minutes that I am capable of helping the team.”
However, he knows that this World Cup will be difficult. “Belgium have a good team, with quality players. We also have more experience after the World Cup in Russia. But we had difficulties because I don’t play and Lukaku had injuries. Some have problems. doubts away but not in the group. On the other hand, we are not favorites because there are better teams than us. I am thinking of Brazil, France or Argentina.”