Belgium footballer and former Real Madrid player Eden Hazard has come under fire after announcing his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. Manchester United legend Roy Keane has openly criticized Hazard, claiming that the player was ‘overweight’ during his time at Real Madrid and should not be considered among the top ten Premier League players of all time.
Questions Surrounding Hazard’s Career
The retirement of Hazard, who had previously excelled at Chelsea before his move to Real Madrid, has sparked questions about whether he fulfilled his potential. Keane expressed his doubts during an interview on The Overlap, stating, “Brilliant player at Chelsea, but when he turned up in the conditions at Real Madrid, not good.”
Weight and Mindset Concerns
Keane further argued that Hazard appeared to lack a strong mindset when he joined Real Madrid, stating, “You can’t turn up overweight for your first pre-season at the club.” Keane also highlighted the importance of longevity, emphasizing that Hazard’s two to three-year tenure at Real Madrid did not compare to the achievements of other legendary players who had consistently performed at high levels for nearly a decade or more.
A Matter of Great Players
While acknowledging Hazard’s talent, Keane maintained that he would not place the former Belgian international in the same category as exceptional Premier League players such as Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry. He suggested that Hazard’s relatively short period of sustained excellence prevented him from being included in the ranks of the all-time greats.
