On March 10th, local time, former Belgian star Hazard spoke about his career and life in an interview with L'Équipe. He called Benzema his strongest teammate, Messi his strongest opponent, Mourinho had the greatest impact on him, and recalled the 2018 World Cup as the peak of his career. He said that he has always maintained his original intention, and the most proud thing is that his love for football has not changed.
Who is the strongest player you have ever worked with?
Hazard: "There were many during my time at Chelsea and Real Madrid. Golden Globe winners like Modric are very strong. Lampard, Drogba, or Eto'o were also great. But if I had to pick one, it would be Benzema. Another Golden Globe winner, I had the honor of fighting alongside him at Real Madrid. Whether it's games or training, his level is top-notch. When I'm on the field, I marvel: 'Wow!!!' It's really an art display."
Who is the strongest player you have ever played against?
Hazard: "Messi. I'm not going to be original! (laughs) I played against him when I was at Chelsea, and I also encountered him when I was at Real Madrid. The Belgian national team also played against Argentina. I remember one game was particularly shocking, it was the 2018 Champions League Round of 16. He scored a goal at Stamford Bridge, and we thought we could come back in the second leg. As a result, he scored a goal in the opening minutes and completed a brace. He did almost everything, and almost single-handedly eliminated us. He is unparalleled."
The fiercest player?
Hazard: " I've encountered quite a few in England! But I don't really like facing Walker. We often clash. He's not fierce, just stronger, a physical machine. To get past him, you have to go all out and get a good rest the day before!"
The funniest player?
Hazard: " Rami when I was at Lille. He was the team's joker. He kept talking in the locker room, telling a bunch of jokes. He has his own little routines. At Chelsea, Diego Costa and David Luiz were also very funny."
Who do you miss seeing most after losing contact?
Hazard: "Mata, I was in contact with him a lot in my early days at Chelsea. He's a very good person, a top-notch good buddy. We had a lot of chemistry on the field. I haven't seen him in years. I remember he's still in Australia."
The strongest moment of your career?
Hazard: " The 2018 World Cup. The two years before were also peak times. My last season at Chelsea also reached its peak. People always say you can improve, there's always room for improvement. But I had reached the top level at that time (he raised his hand). I gave everything to be one of the best players in the world. We finished third in the World Cup in Russia."
Is this World Cup a regret because you lost to France in the semi-finals?
Hazard: " Not at all. Of course, it's disappointing to lose the semi-finals. But as time goes by, you remember the positive side. Belgium finished the tournament in third place in the World Cup, with great games and feats. We beat Brazil in the quarter-finals and England in the third-place match. When we returned to Brussels and saw the cheering crowds across the country, we truly realized these achievements."
The biggest fire you've ever had in your career?
Hazard: " I'm not that kind of person. Even when I was the captain of Belgium, I wasn't the kind of person who liked to talk a lot in the locker room. I was even a little surprised to get the captain's armband. I prefer to influence my teammates through jokes, atmosphere, and team relationships, rather than yelling. Actions speak louder than words. People like Kompany or Lukaku are very good at talking, I just control the ball, dribble and score on the field."
The coach who had the greatest impact on you?
Hazard: " Mourinho. I followed him at Chelsea for two and a half years. It was great, although there were some minor frictions later. His training and management style suited me very well. He gave me freedom. The outside world may not understand, but he trusted me and often said: 'Hazard, as long as you score goals, you can do whatever you want!'"
The most memorable victory for you?
Hazard: " The quarter-final victory over Brazil (2-1) in the 2018 World Cup. It was a great game for Belgium and the country. The amazing goal I scored against Marseille for Lille is also unforgettable (March 2011, 2-1)."
The fiercest argument you've ever had in the locker room?
Hazard: "There were many during my time playing for Chelsea with Mourinho as coach, but the fiercest was with Conte. The atmosphere in the locker room was very tense when he was unhappy on the bench in the second season. You know never to mess with him."
The game that changed your career?
Hazard: " In the early days at Lille, the French Cup against Lyon in 2009 (Round of 16). Lyon was very strong at that time. I was still a young player, I scored a goal and provided two assists. We won 3-2 at home. Within a week, everyone's perspective had changed."
The strongest team you have ever played for?
Hazard: " Real Madrid, Benzema, Luka Modric, Kroos, Casemiro - top - Varane, Marcelo and Ramos in defense. Every line was excellent. Chelsea was also great, with Fabregas, Diego Costa... On the national team side, Belgium in 2018 was also wonderful."
The strongest opponent you have ever faced?
Hazard: "In the Champions League against Barcelona, but the strongest is Manchester City in the Premier League. Guardiola's Manchester City is very terrifying, with Aguero, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne. We sometimes hardly touch the ball. I remember a 0-6 defeat..."
The biggest regret of your career?
Hazard: " The injury later at Real Madrid. The biggest regret is the injury. If it hadn't been for that, with my ability, I could have... I would have liked to have made the Bernabéu cheer for me. Not being able to do that is a bit of a regret. But not just for me, but also for the fans and the chairman who brought me in."
Favorite stadium?
Hazard: " The Bernabéu, it's great. Stamford Bridge, it means a lot to me, with goals and various emotions. But I would say San Mamés. I have always enjoyed playing at Athletic Bilbao's stadium. The atmosphere is lively and the fans are passionate. You can feel the love and loyalty for football. In France, I also like the Parc des Princes. I experienced this stadium in my first Ligue 1 match for Lille. The memories afterwards were all good."
Least favorite stadium?
Hazard: " There isn't one I particularly dislike. I like exploring all kinds of stadiums, because people who love football will love stadiums. The atmosphere is always hot. The louder it is, the more exciting, the more involved I get! I also scored a beautiful goal at Marseille's home stadium (laughs). I also like derbies, especially Chelsea against Tottenham or Arsenal. In short, there isn't one I particularly dislike, the more exciting the better!"
Most beautiful goal?
Hazard: "The goal I scored for Lille in Marseille, a 40-meter shot with my left foot into the top corner. The goal against Arsenal when I was playing for Chelsea (2017, starting from midfield), the goal against Tottenham (2016, Stamford Bridge, left-footed into the top corner). I like the pressure of key games, especially at the end of the season when it's more decisive."
Potential transfers in the past?
Hazard: " No. I went wherever I wanted to go, and then remained loyal to the club for a long time. I went to Lille when I was 14, I could have gone to Anderlecht, but I chose Lille. I wanted to go to England, seven seasons at Chelsea. I definitely wanted to wear the Real Madrid jersey. The only minor thing might have been not going to Germany to play or compete with my brother. Although we played together in about thirty games for the national team. During my time at Chelsea, I could have gone to Manchester United, Manchester City or Tottenham. But my family made the right choice. We still have a house in London."
The moment you are most proud of?
Hazard: " Always maintaining my original intention, just like when I was playing with my friends in Braine-le-Comte. I haven't changed. Many people and coaches wanted to change me, but I have always been true to myself. I am also very happy to see my children love football as much as I do. Even if I am fully involved, it's okay if they do other things. The current fun is playing football with my two kids in the garden. This is also my greatest happiness now."
Talking about the Belgian national team
Hazard: "I also pay close attention to the national team at all times. I have a close relationship with Rudi Garcia, who is a very outstanding coach and also has a strong World Cup squad. I will support them, but I will not watch the games in person."
Talking about hobbies
Hazard revealed that he has started cycling, challenging various routes with friends, brothers, and his father: "I once rode Mont Ventoux with teammates from the Intermarché-Wanty team, and recently participated in the Mallorca 312 challenge. I am working with Fabio Cordella in Puglia to brew my own wine. During my career, I would open a bottle of good wine every six months, and now, I make it myself. Fabio will explain the history of wine, and I am constantly exploring. Our wine has sold 6,000 bottles in Belgium and 8,000 bottles in the UK. At the same time, I also have a partnership with Puglia olive oil. Next, I want to try brewing my own beer, brewing it in my barrels, and Fabio's winery will be responsible."