Eden Hazard pokes fun at himself in HILARIOUS speech to Lille players as his former club unveil new training pitch in his honour
- Eden Hazard pokes fun at himself as Lille dedicates a training ground to him
- The Belgian started his career at the club and won the title with them in 2011
- What is going on?! Why should players take over from the fans after losing? – Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Eden Hazard responded to Lille naming their training ground in his honor by hilariously mocking his reputation.
The Belgian star, who retired last October, has been honored by his former club by dedicating part of the training pitch at Domaine de Luchin to him.
Lille shared images of the unveiling on social media last weekend and during the event Hazard spoke about the club’s tribute to their former star.
Taking to the stage, the 33-year-old revealed he only had one thing to say before humorously making fun of himself.
He said, ‘I have only one thing to say. This is Eden Hazard’s pitch. So no gym, no running. Just playing football and breaking ankles.’
Eden Hazard makes a fool of himself after Lille named a training ground after their former star
The Belgian referred to the accusations he had during his career about his fitness and weight
Lille have named a pitch on their training ground after club legend Eden Hazard (right)
The joke refers to suggestions about Hazard’s weight during his time at Real Madrid, where he was often accused of being unfit and overweight.
He also made fun of his struggles with injuries during his career, particularly with his ankles.
The Belgian is widely regarded as one of Lille’s best ever players and has been honored by the Ligue 1 side’s installation of a stone monument next to the training ground, and the presentation of a plaque to their former star.
Hazard started his career at Lille and made 194 appearances for the club, scoring 53 goals before leaving for Chelsea in 2012.
Hazard was there to see his old side come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Rennes
During his time at Real Madrid, Hazard was often accused of being unfit and struggled in Spain
He famously helped the club win the Ligue 1 title in 2011, before moving to Stamford Bridge for £32 million, where he became one of the most exciting Premier League stars of the era.
At Chelsea, Hazard would win two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and the League Cup, and was named Footballer of the Year in 2015.
He left the Blues for Madrid in 2019 but could never recapture the same form in Spain, with fingers pointed at his weight and fitness.
After the training ground was unveiled, Hazard was on hand to see his old side come back from 2-0 down and secure a draw against Rennes thanks to a 92nd minute equalizer from Jonathan David.