‘There is still magic in Eden Hazard’: Vincent Kompany insists it is ‘too early’ to talk about his former Belgium teammate’s retirement – despite another injury-plagued season that has limited Real Madrid to three appearances since the World Cup
- Eden Hazard signed for Real Madrid in June 2019 for an initial fee of £88 million
- The 32-year-old Hazard has been struggling for minutes since his arrival in the Spanish capital
- But Kompany says it is too early to write off his former international team-mate
Vincent Kompany says it is ‘too early to talk about the end of Eden Hazard’s career’ and insists the Real Madrid flop has more ‘magic’ in the tank.
Hazard signed for Real Madrid in June 2019 for an initial fee of £88 million on a five-year contract worth more than £400,000 a week.
However, Hazard – who left Chelsea with the club’s blessing – has struggled for minutes since arriving in the Spanish capital.
His career with the LaLiga giants has been plagued with injuries and poor form. As a result, he made only 142 appearances in four seasons.
Many believe Hazard should hang up his boots, but Kompany – who is currently Burnley’s manager – insists the 32-year-old has more to offer.
Vincent Kompany says it’s ‘too early to talk about the end of Eden Hazard’s career’
However, Hazard (right) – who left Chelsea with the club’s blessing in June 2019 – has struggled for minutes since arriving at Real Madrid.
Kompany said his former international team-mate is capable of ‘scoring in a Champions League final’ and ‘winning a title’
Kompany said his former international team-mate is capable of ‘scoring in a Champions League final’ and ‘winning a title’.
Speak against RTBF, Kompany said: ‘Talking about the end of his career is too early for me. The main thing is that Eden had injuries and that’s what has changed.
“If you have injuries, you have to take into account that you have no control over them. He had to deal with injuries and their aftermath. And it’s always hard to come back.’
Kompany added: “Behind that is always the player who gave us many good moments, who made us proud to support Belgium.
‘And then there is always someone who still has to fight and has something to do at a certain point.
“He can still score in the Champions League final, he can still win a title. There is still magic in this player, in the person. And we must hope for the best for him so that he ends up as he deserves.’