Thu. Nov 21st, 2024
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EDEN HAZARD has dropped a hint about a new role in football as he prepares for his return to Chelsea.

The 33-year-old retired from football in October after his epic career ended in disappointment after years of injury and weight issues.

Eden Hazard is making his return to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge this summer3

Eden Hazard is making his return to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: Getty
The now retired Belgian ace has hinted at a potential new role in the beautiful game

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The now retired Belgian ace has hinted at a potential new role in the beautiful gameCredit: Reuters

The ex-Belgian playmaker won the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup twice as well as a League Cup during his seven years at Chelsea.

Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille and went on to make 194 appearances and score 50 goals for them.

The star’s dazzling form also proved instrumental in their league and cup double in 2011, ensuring legendary status at Lille, and eventually earned him his move to England in 2012.

Hazard enjoyed equal status at Stamford Bridge for his performances at Chelsea but failed to replicate the magic at Real Madrid as his career ended in disappointing fashion.

He signed a £88.3m transfer deal in 2019 but played just 76 times and scored only seven goals in four seasons.

His time at the Bernabeu was plagued by injuries and fitness issues with reports that his weight was a problem and that he once turned up to training after the summer a stone too heavy.

Hazard allegedly had big-money offers last summer from his homeland, the MLS in America and Saudi Arabia.

But even the ace admits that he “misses” playing, he is relishing his new found freedom after opting to hang up his boots.

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He told The Standard: “I enjoy it a lot. I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.

“I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things.”

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Although he did hint at a potential new career after discovering a new love in the beautiful game.

On life at home with wife Natacha and their five boys, he said: “I don’t know [what’s next].

“I don’t think I’ll coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams.

“I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”

However, Hazard will pull his boots back on at his old Stamford Bridge stomping ground on June 9 to feature in Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s World XI against an England XI that will be managed by Frank Lampard.

He revealed his determination to deliver some magic to those to attend and insisted that he would get in shape as he didn’t “want to look like Peppa Pig”.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

Hazard will feature for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid for World XI against an England XI on 9 June

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Hazard will feature for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid for World XI against an England XI on 9 JuneCredit: Rex

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