Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has been speaking about Eden Hazard and his failed spell at Real Madrid.
In 2019, Chelsea sold Hazard to Real Madrid in a £150m deal, but the former winger would go on to leave just four years later after agreeing to terminate his contract early.
He really struggled at the Santiago Bernabeu, largely because of injuries. In the end, Hazard was only able to score seven goals in 76 appearances for the Spanish club.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, though, the Belgian was obviously a huge success after scoring 110 times in 352 outings.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesMarcel Desailly claims Eden Hazard needed to give more at Real Madrid
According to Desailly, Hazard needed to put in extra effort and not just rely on his talent if he wanted to make it at Real Madrid.
The World Cup winner has also suggested that elements of Hazard’s lifestyle, such as his diet, could have had an impact on him.
In an interview with The Independent, Desailly said: “He was well protected at Chelsea and he did very well. Amazing Hazard, we love him. But when he joined Real Madrid, other players are there. You need to be committed also at the training session, your lifestyle, your diet, what you drink, what you eat, the intensity of the stress.
“Probably he had enough. He realised that at Chelsea it works only on his talent. But at Madrid he had to give something extra that he was not capable to give out.”
Another France legend also spoke about the retired Belgium international recently and had something very positive to say about him.
When asked which player he would pay to watch, Thierry Henry picked Hazard, who he has worked with in the past.
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty ImagesMarcel Desailly knows what current Chelsea team have to do to reach next level
Hazard was part of two title-winning teams at Chelsea, winning the Premier League crown in 2015 and 2017.
Today, the Blues are miles away from even competing for the trophy. However, Desailly thinks Chelsea can go up another level by signing an experienced centre-forward.
The Frenchman said: “I still believe that they need that experienced striker to be able to bring the team to another level.”
Chelsea have just signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, while Emanuel Emegha is set to join the club next summer. Considering that, it would be a surprise if the Club World Cup winners decide to bring in another No.9 in 2026.
Enzo Maresca is going to have to get the best out of Pedro, Delap and Emegha when the Dutchman finally arrives in west London.