Eden Hazard Vows to Maintain Weight Fitness in Retirement for Soccer Aid Appearance – Eden Hazard, aged 33, has pledged to steer clear of excessive indulgence in beers and burgers during his retirement to ensure he shines at Soccer Aid, following his weight-related issues while at Real Madrid. After retiring from professional football last year, Hazard has been transparent about his weight challenges, acknowledging instances of reporting overweight for pre-season training at Real Madrid and letting himself go during vacations, which affected his motivation during training sessions.
Hazard’s tenure at Real Madrid, a significant milestone in his career, was overshadowed by persistent struggles with both form and fitness. In an interview with L’Equipe, he openly discussed his battles with motivation and the repercussions of his lifestyle choices on his performance.
Despite these obstacles, Hazard takes pride in realizing his dream at Real Madrid, recognizing the hurdles he encountered while emphasizing the personal development and experiences gained during his time there. He is determined to remain active and fit by engaging in various activities such as tennis, padel, running, and friendly football matches to ensure he impresses upon his return to the field for Soccer Aid.
His upcoming participation at Stamford Bridge for Soccer Aid on June 9 signifies a pivotal moment in his career as he joins a World XI team alongside luminaries like Roberto Carlos, Usain Bolt, and Tommy Fury. This event not only allows him to reconnect with his Chelsea roots and play at Stamford Bridge but also presents an opportunity to raise substantial funds for children worldwide through Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
Hazard’s journey from his successful spell at Chelsea through the challenges faced at Real Madrid to his retirement at 32, followed by his commitment to maintaining fitness for Soccer Aid, exemplifies his dedication to personal well-being and charitable endeavors. His candidness about his struggles and unwavering resolve to overcome them underscore his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the pitch.
What specific weight issues did Eden Hazard face during his time at Real Madrid?
During his time at Real Madrid, Eden Hazard faced specific weight issues that significantly impacted his performance and overall experience at the club. Hazard admitted to arriving overweight for pre-season training multiple times, which was a concern for the club and affected his fitness levels. This issue was particularly pronounced in the summer of 2019, when he joined Real Madrid from Chelsea. Hazard revealed that he would often gain four or five kilos during the off-season, as he felt he deserved some relaxation and indulgence after the intense demands of the football season. This habit of letting go during vacations, combined with his love for food and beers, contributed to his weight gain.
Hazard’s weight struggles were not just about the physical aspect but also had a psychological impact on his motivation and performance. He admitted to having periods where he arrived without sleeping well, lacking desire, and showing it in his training sessions. This lack of motivation and physical fitness was a recurring issue that affected his ability to perform at his best.
Moreover, Hazard’s weight issues were compounded by his health challenges, including ankle surgery, which he underwent during his time at Real Madrid. The recovery period from this surgery was further complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced him to isolate and rehab alone without professional assistance. This lack of proper rehabilitation support contributed to his ongoing fitness issues, including a recurring ankle injury that limited his playing time.
In summary, Eden Hazard’s weight issues at Real Madrid were multifaceted, involving both physical and psychological factors. His habit of gaining weight during off-seasons, combined with health challenges and a lack of proper rehabilitation support, significantly impacted his performance and overall experience at the club.
Eden Hazard injury timeline
Eden Hazard’s injury timeline spans several seasons, highlighting a pattern of injuries that have impacted his availability for games. Here’s a summary of his injury history:
- 2022/23 Season:
- Patellar tendon irritation from Feb 4, 2023, to Feb 17, 2023, for 13 days, missing 4 games.
- Ankle injury from Jan 21, 2023, to Jan 28, 2023, for 7 days, missing 2 games.
- 2021/22 Season:
- Fissure of the fibula from Mar 25, 2022, to May 14, 2022, for 50 days, missing 13 games.
- Stomach flu from Nov 19, 2021, to Nov 30, 2021, for 11 days, missing 3 games.
- Muscular problems from Oct 8, 2021, to Oct 22, 2021, for 14 days, missing 2 games.
- Hamstring injury from Jun 28, 2021, to Aug 12, 2021, for 45 days, missing 1 game.
- 2020/21 Season:
- Knock from May 21, 2021, to May 23, 2021, for 2 days, missing 1 game.
- Muscle injury from Mar 15, 2021, to Apr 22, 2021, for 38 days, missing 11 games.
- Muscle injury from Feb 3, 2021, to Mar 12, 2021, for 37 days, missing 7 games.
- Muscle injury from Nov 28, 2020, to Dec 28, 2020, for 30 days, missing 8 games.
- Muscle injury from Sep 30, 2020, to Oct 27, 2020, for 27 days, missing 9 games.
- Knock from Sep 1, 2020, to Sep 28, 2020, for 27 days, missing 4 games.
- 2019/20 Season:
- Hairline crack in foot from Dec 5, 2019, to Feb 10, 2020, for 67 days, missing 15 games.
- Hamstring injury from Aug 16, 2019, to Sep 10, 2019, for 25 days, missing 5 games.
- 2016/17 Season:
- Hip problems from Mar 10, 2016, to Apr 21, 2016, for 42 days, missing 6 games.
- Ankle surgery from Jun 5, 2017, to Aug 24, 2017, for 80 days, missing 4 games.
- 2015/16 Season:
- Minor knock from Jan 4, 2016, to Jan 18, 2016, for 14 days, missing 3 games.
- Calf strain from Mar 16, 2017, to Mar 30, 2017, for 14 days, missing 3 games.
- 2013/14 Season:
- Hamstring injury from May 13, 2013, to May 30, 2013, for 17 days, missing 3 games.
This timeline illustrates the significant impact of injuries on Hazard’s career, affecting his availability for games and potentially his performance during the periods of recovery.
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