Why Eden Hazard Chose Chelsea over Man Utd: His Revealing Reasons
Eden Hazard, the legendary Belgian footballer, has revealed the intriguing story behind his decision to sign for Chelsea instead of Manchester United. Despite initially having no interest in the club, Hazard went on to become one of Chelsea’s all-time greatest players, leaving an indelible mark on the team’s history.
A Remarkable Career at Chelsea
Over a span of seven successful years, Hazard scored an impressive 110 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 games for Chelsea. His contributions helped the team secure two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, and the FA Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the best players in the club’s history.
The Almost Missed Opportunity
Back in 2012, Hazard had the world at his feet after a series of exceptional seasons with Lille. Eager to make a move to the Premier League, he had discussions with Sir Alex Ferguson, the then-manager of Manchester United, and even visited Manchester City’s training ground. However, Chelsea was not initially on his radar.
Chelsea’s Domestic Struggles
Hazard explained in an interview on The Obi One Podcast that Chelsea’s performance in the league during his last year at Lille was not impressive. The team finished sixth or seventh, and he had set his sights on playing in the Champions League. At that time, Chelsea did not seem like a viable option.
The Champions League Turning Point
Everything changed when Chelsea defied the odds and won the Champions League in the 2011/12 season. Despite their poor domestic form, they emerged victorious by defeating Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shootout. This triumph made Hazard reconsider his options.
The Influence of Didier Drogba
In a conversation with John Obi Mikel, Hazard admitted that if Chelsea hadn’t won the Champions League, he would not have signed for the club. He expressed his gratitude to the legendary striker Didier Drogba, whose winning penalty in the final against Bayern Munich made him view Chelsea as a desirable destination.
A Swift Decision
Just days after Drogba’s heroics in the Champions League final, Hazard made his intentions clear by announcing on social media that he would be joining Chelsea. He tweeted, “I’m signing for the Champions League winner,” solidifying his commitment to the club.
A Thankful Journey
Hazard’s decision to choose Chelsea over Manchester United was driven by a combination of factors. The team’s unexpected triumph in Europe’s elite competition played a vital role in swaying his decision. Ultimately, his move to Stamford Bridge proved to be a game-changer, leading to a successful and illustrious career.
In conclusion, Eden Hazard’s revealing reasons for choosing Chelsea over Manchester United shed light on the complex decision-making process that footballers go through when considering their future. His journey from initially overlooking Chelsea to becoming one of the club’s greatest players is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the impact of significant events like winning the Champions League.