Real Madrid announced the signing of Jude Bellingham, and Toni Kroos was quick to relate the situation, as he claimed they had another player on whom Madrid spent massive money to sign him from Chelsea.
It was an indirect swipe at former Chelsea player Eden Hazard, who joined from Chelsea for £88 million in 2019 but failed to carry the same form at the Spanish club as his career at Madrid was mired in injuries.
Hazard, who had developed into one of the best players at Chelsea, joined his dream club, Real Madrid, but little did he know it would turn out to be a nightmare for him.
However, the Belgian attacker’s contract has been terminated by Real Madrid, and he is now a free agent. But Kroos was quick to take a jibe at Hazard’s career at Real Madrid as speaking to Einfach mal Luppen, (h/t Mirror) he said:
”We had another player who came for a lot of money and basically let his career die. It was a lot of money, and I think everyone would say that wasn’t a good transfer. But let’s be positive.”
Kroos is a class player, but what he said about Hazard is not really true. His career was blighted with injuries although one can argue that he could have taken better care of himself. Moreover, the competition and scrutiny that comes with playing for a club like Real Madrid can often be overwhelming.
But Chelsea have never forgotten what he was like there, it doesn’t make sense to hold him solely responsible. He could have been their finest player if he hadn’t had so many injuries. He is one of the greatest players to ever represent Chelsea on the pitch.
He still has a few years to play, though, so perhaps he can find a decent team to finish his career with now that he is a free agent. But he must retain that hunger to play and succeed.
Hazard once notably claimed he didn’t share the same hunger as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo because he was often happy with settling for 15-20 goals a season and at a 2-0 scoreline during a game. Perhaps that has slowly descended into the player just being happy he secured a career-defining (at least on paper when it happened) move to Real Madrid.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…