Image Credit- Sky Sports.
"I'm signing for the Champion's League winner."
This was the message with which Eden Hazard confirmed his signing. But this was not the best team in Europe. It was a team with all the stars entering their twilight and a club whose burden was to be shouldered by him, of which he would be, true to his nature, indifferent.
He first came into the limelight when Zinedine Zidane talked about a player from Belgium playing for Lille as a player that had impressed him the most. He then signed for Chelsea. During his seven years with us, he developed into one of the best players in the world and, arguably, the best player in the league. Those who did not watch him play week-in, week-out might find the comparisons with Neymar's and Salahs of this world as comical. However, those who did watch Chelsea play regularly knew his caliber. For large parts, it was a one-man carry job. None of the players to whom Hazard is compared had to shoulder such a burden. And if they did, none of their shine could hold a candle to Hazard when he was shining at his brightest.
The low center of gravity, the dribbling, and the sudden burst of acceleration, along with other attributes, made him the most sought-after prospect in world football, which ultimately culminated in a record bid by the biggest club in the world. However, what was supposed to be the fulfilment of a childhood dream soon turned into a nightmare. Hazard in Real Madrid across four seasons only played as many matches as he played for Chelsea in just over a season. For some reason, he was not indifferent. Or perhaps his indifference did not permit him to disregard his failings anymore.
I think I am not wrong in saying that when Chelsea fans remembers him, they will remember, apart from his natural ability, the child-like joy with which he played, which joy translated to jaw-dropping goals, dribbles, and performances.
Not so long ago, Chelsea won its second Champions League. Since then, it has undergone as many changes as a club could, resulting in a loss of identity. If only there was someone like Hazard around, they would not be in this state. Alas, with his retirement, there is no one like him!
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