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Eden Hazard: I Spent Difficult Years At Real Madrid
It was not long ago that Eden Hazard announced his retirement from the beautiful game. The world lamented the steep downfall of the player, who at one point was considered the one of best players in the game, but accepted his decision as a personal choice.
The Belgian is now totally free from the shackles of club and international commitments. Yet, he took to the field one week after announcing his retirement as the captain of Varietes Club de France in a charity game last night.
Speaking to the media after the game, he elaborated on the reason why he opted to call it quits from professional football.
“I always said that I would stop playing as soon as I no longer had fun on the field,” he stated, as quoted by AS.
Hazard also went on to add that, beyond a point, he stopped enjoying playing the game on the field amidst the pressure and attention.
“I spent difficult years at Real Madrid, I always said I would stop when I was no longer having fun. And I stopped having fun training. And besides, I didn’t play.
“The decision was simple, and I can say that I played for Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I didn’t want to go play anywhere for money.”
As Thibaut Courtois said in a recent interview, it is a shame that the magical winger’s career took such a steep fall, Yet, one must respect Hazard for all he has done for the beautiful game, especially during his time at Chelsea.
The Belgian’s spell at Real Madrid was largely forgettable, for he never really got going at the Spanish capital. From arriving overweight on his first day to the vicious cycle of injuries, Hazard soon sank into oblivion at the club.
He did win it all at the club, but not in the manner he would have wished to have.
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World Cup 202611 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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