Hazard’s Chelsea Decision Altered by Game-Changing Moment
Eden Hazard’s decision to join Chelsea back in 2012 was heavily influenced by a game-changing moment in the club’s history. The Belgian superstar has revealed that Didier Drogba’s winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final convinced him to sign for the Blues.
At the time, Hazard was enjoying an excellent breakthrough spell at Lille and had caught the attention of several top clubs. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham were among those who held a strong interest and even held talks to sign him. However, it was Drogba’s heroics that ultimately swayed Hazard’s decision.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Hazard opened up about his conversations with other clubs prior to joining Chelsea. He had spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United, as well as Harry Redknapp, who was then the manager at Tottenham. He even visited Manchester City’s training ground. But Chelsea was not initially on his radar.
Hazard explained, “I had a few options, but not Chelsea because the last year in Lille, Chelsea in the league was not that good. You know when you [John Obi Mikel] won the Champions League, in the league you were like sixth or seventh, I don’t remember. I knew I was leaving France to go to the Premier League but not Chelsea, because I wanted to play in the Champions League, you know? So that move came because you won the Champions League.”
The pivotal moment came when Drogba scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, securing Chelsea’s first ever title in the competition. Just days later, Hazard took to Twitter to announce his next move, declaring, “I’m signing for the Champions League winner.”
And so began Hazard’s incredible journey at Stamford Bridge. Over the course of his seven-year stint, he established himself as a club legend and one of the greatest players in Chelsea’s history. Hazard won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup, and a League Cup with the Blues.
During his time at Chelsea, Hazard made 352 appearances in all competitions, scoring 110 goals and providing 92 assists. His skill, flair, and ability to change games single-handedly made him one of the most talented players to have ever worn the Chelsea shirt.
In 2019, Hazard made a move to Real Madrid but unfortunately, his time in Spain was marred by various injuries. He eventually retired in October 2023.
As Hazard reflects on his career, he acknowledges the role that Drogba played in shaping his destiny. “Chelsea was like far away,” Hazard admitted. “That’s why I say thank you to Drogba!”
The game-changing moment of Drogba’s winning penalty in the Champions League final altered Hazard’s path and led him to become a Chelsea legend. It is a testament to the impact that a single moment can have on a player’s career and the lasting influence of club icons like Drogba.