Eden Hazard's Real Madrid misadventure: A dream turned nightmare

However, what was expected to be a stellar four-year tenure turned into a tumultuous chapter marked by injuries and a perceived misalignment with the club's ethos.

Carlo Ancelotti, at the helm of Real Madrid, found Hazard increasingly sidelined due to a combination of persistent injuries and a struggle to find form. The situation culminated in a mutual contract termination last summer, leaving the Belgian winger in a state of career limbo. Weeks later, to the surprise of many, Hazard announced his retirement, closing a chapter that promised so much but delivered little.

In a candid interview with L'Equipe, Hazard revealed a startling admission about his time in the Spanish capital. Despite being a fan of Zinedine Zidane and harbouring a lifelong dream of playing for Real Madrid, he confessed, "I don't think that I fit in. It's a bit of a 'swaggering' club, and I'm not like that." Hazard also expressed dissatisfaction with the style of play, comparing it unfavourably to other clubs.

Reflecting on the challenges, Hazard acknowledged, "Maybe I needed to train more. I also had the worst injuries at the worst times." These insights offer a glimpse into the struggles the Belgian faced, attempting to adapt to the demanding standards of a club like Real Madrid.

Los Blancos, renowned for transcending individual players, maintained their success despite Hazard's limited impact. However, the story prompts reflection on what might have been, had Hazard managed to overcome his injury woes and find his groove in the iconic white kit. 

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