Chelsea star Romeo Lavia reacts to fellow Belgian and Blues legend Eden Hazard retires
Chelsea star Romeo Lavia has responded to the news that Belgian legend Eden Hazard is retiring from football at the age of 32. The former Blues ace endured a difficult time at Real Madrid and was plagued with inconsistency and a poor fitness record in his final days at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In an Instagram story, the 19-year-old midfielder posted three emojis expressing his thoughts on his fellow countryman’s decision to hang up his boots. Lavia included a hand clap, crown, and Belgian flag, applauding Hazard’s outstanding career while acknowledging his elevated status in the nation’s football history.
Hazard announced his retirement after a 16-year career that saw him become one of the Premier League’s greatest players during his time at Chelsea. The winger made 350 appearances for the Blues, scoring 110 goals, providing 92 assists. He led the club to two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, and the Europa League before moving to Spain.
His brilliance in the Premier League, including winning the league’s Player of the Season award in 2014-15, earned Hazard a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2019. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his time in Spain and he was restricted to just 76 games over four seasons.
For Belgium, Hazard will be remembered as the standout player of the country’s much-vaunted ‘Golden Generation.’ He made 126 appearances for the senior national team after debuting as a 17-year-old, scoring 33 goals. While the Golden Generation failed to deliver a major trophy, reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, Hazard consistently produced moments of magic on the international stage.
Will Lavia carry on Hazard’s legacy?
Romeo Lavia‘s post encapsulated the sentiment that despite unrealized potential late in his career, Hazard’s legacy is cemented as a Belgian great. The promising midfielder will now hope to carry the torch for his country, having represented Belgium at youth levels before recently earning a call-up to the senior squad.
Lavia joined Chelsea last summer and is currently recovering from an injury. The club will be hoping he can eventually emulate the superstar status Hazard achieved during his time at Stamford Bridge, albeit in a different role.
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For now, Lavia and all of Belgium will celebrate the incredible career of one of their most beloved football icons. Chelsea fans too can join in knowing well that the veteran’s best days came in a Blue jersey.
