Eden Hazard reveals why he refused to follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s path

Eden Hazard is remembered for his successful years at Chelsea and with the Belgium national team, but his time at Real Madrid fell short of expectations. Looking back, the former winger has openly admitted that he was never as disciplined as Cristiano Ronaldo, and that he deliberately chose not to model his career after the Portuguese star.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Belgium’s former No. 10 revealed that Maurizio Sarri, his ex-coach at Chelsea, once suggested he adopt Cristiano Ronaldo’s lifestyle and commitment in order to extend his career.

“Yes, but I told him I didn’t want to. I was never excessive, but I always wanted to be Hazard both on and off the pitch. If my friends invited me to dinner, I wouldn’t say no, and if I wanted a drink, I wouldn’t refuse. Cristiano is Cristiano, I am Hazard. I just wanted to be myself and play football,” Hazard explained.

Speaking on the Zack Nani podcast, Hazard discussed what he is doing away from football and the reasons behind his decision to retire.

“I quit professional football because I no longer enjoyed everything that surrounds the game. I loved the 90 minutes on the pitch, but not the travel, the endless training sessions, the media,” said the Belgian, who now spends his time with his children.

Click here to read article