Eden Hazard has been criticised for his weight this summer, but Cesc Fabregas, his former teammate at Chelsea, has insisted that it has nothing to do with the forward's quality.
The Spaniard pointed to the Belgian's spell in the Premier League as an example of what the new Real Madrid signing can offer to the team.
"I am surprised that [Hazard's] weight is discussed," Fabregas told El Partidazo de COPE and Radio MARCA.
"It seems that people haven't watched him during his seven years in the Premier League.
"Pre-seasons may be difficult for him and playing at Real Madrid is a big thing, but I have no doubts about him.
"He will lead the way."
Fabregas went on to reveal that he was unsuccessfully approached by Los Blancos several times in the past.
"There was very strong interest - four times - from Real Madrid in me," he added.
"The first two I was very young; the third I had made the decision to go to Barcelona, but I also listened to [what] Real Madrid [had to say]."