In an exclusive interview, Belgian football legend Eden Hazard opened up about his life after retirement, the Premier League, LaLiga, the World Cup and other topics.
On life after retirement
— Life goes by really fast, especially in football. It feels like I was 19 yesterday, and today I’m 35. You have to enjoy it, whether it’s football or anything else. Family is your biggest support. My life is very simple: staying at home, enjoying the small things with my wife, kids and brothers. When you’re still playing, you’re always on the move, but when you stop, you finally have time for them with no pressure at all.
On still living in Madrid
— It’s because of my family, the kids, the weather and the food. I don’t have to train at 10 o’clock anymore! I only ‘play’ on Saturdays, that’s it. My life is simple now. I’m a father of five children. I’m more of a taxi driver than a footballer these days, but that’s fine.
On the Premier League and LaLiga
— They have different styles. The Premier League is more physical, and you can never stop running. LaLiga is more technical. At Real Madrid, you can take control of the game, but in the Premier League you have to run at full speed for 90 minutes.
On José Mourinho
— I remember once, in Mourinho’s first year in charge, I went to watch a game at Lille and lost my passport on the way back. Obviously, I wasn’t allowed back into England and missed training. I only got back at 2 pm, after training was over, and I had to apologise to him. It was a terrible moment for me.
The next week, he left me out of the squad, saying it was my fault, but by the weekend I was back in the team and everything went well. He taught me so much — his passion for football, the way he trusted players… the way we trained with him was unbelievable.
On the 2018 FIFA World Cup
— That World Cup was amazing. I got to play with my brother. Being captain of the national team was an incredible feeling. It was pure happiness. We felt that Belgium was brilliant during those years. Even though we didn’t win the title, people still say today that we were better than France. I’m proud of that — not because we won, but because of what we built together.
Which goal is your favourite?
— Probably the one against Tottenham Hotspur.
On winning the 2022 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
— It’s an amazing feeling, because you fight for the fans and for the trophies. The Champions League is one of the best trophies you can win. Even if I didn’t play much, just being at a club with so many titles and playing alongside great players was unbelievable.
On winning the Premier League twice
— Winning the Premier League is extremely difficult, just like winning the Champions League or the World Cup. It’s special because so many teams can win it.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with?
— I’ve always thought Mousa Dembélé was one of the best midfielders of his generation. People don’t talk about him much because he didn’t score many goals, but Premier League fans know he’s a top player.
