Eden Hazard’s decision to retire from professional football has evoked a wave of nostalgia among football enthusiasts worldwide, but none hold more cherished memories of him than Leicester City fans.
Hazard, a talented Belgian prodigy, burst onto the football scene with a remarkable professional debut, leaving an indelible mark when he scored an impressive 20 goals in just 38 league matches for Lille during the 2011-12 season. This remarkable performance ignited a fierce competition among top European clubs to secure his signature.
Ultimately, Chelsea emerged as the victors in the pursuit of Hazard, and he went on to become an iconic figure for the West London club. During his tenure at Chelsea, he clinched two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and two Europa League titles. Additionally, he was honored as the Premier League Player of the Season in 2014-15.
The only notable omission from his trophy collection was a Champions League title, which he later achieved after joining Real Madrid. In May 2022, Hazard’s dream of lifting the most prestigious club football trophy became a reality when Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final. He also added La Liga titles to his accomplishments while at the Spanish club.
However, injuries continued to be a persistent obstacle for the talented Belgian during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. This week, he made the difficult decision to retire from professional football, leaving many fans and pundits disheartened. As the football community reflects fondly on his career, Leicester fans also have a special place in their hearts for Hazard.
Why do Leicester fans hold such affection for Eden Hazard?
The answer lies in the dramatic 2015-16 Premier League season. During that remarkable campaign, Leicester and Tottenham were locked in a tight battle for the league title. With just two games remaining in the season, Leicester had managed a 1-1 draw away at Old Trafford, putting them on the brink of a historic title win. To overturn the situation, Tottenham needed to win all three of their remaining games while Leicester had to lose both of theirs.
Leicester fans were understandably anxious when Tottenham surged to a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge, thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. However, Gary Cahill’s goal for Chelsea ignited a frenzied clash known as the ‘Battle of the Bridge,’ with numerous yellow cards shown, as Spurs desperately clung to their hopes of a title turnaround.
In the waning moments of the match, a skillful maneuver by Hazard led to a clever exchange with Diego Costa. The Belgian maestro then beautifully curved the ball into the net, eluding the grasp of Hugo Lloris and equalizing the score.
The game ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, which meant that Tottenham Hotspur could no longer catch up to Leicester in the title race. This momentous achievement triggered exuberant celebrations in the East Midlands, as the Foxes secured their very first top-tier championship in an astonishing fashion.
Following his retirement, Eden Hazard received warm accolades from Leicester City due to the pivotal role his goal played in their historic title win.
Their response to Hazard’s retirement announcement on Instagram was, “All the best in your retirement, Eden!” accompanied by an image of a trophy, serving as a reminder of that unforgettable day in London.
Is Eden Hazard the best winger in Premier League history?
The debate over whether Eden Hazard ranks as the greatest winger in Premier League history has been a heated one. While prolific goal-scorers like Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo are certainly in contention due to their impressive goal tally, Hazard undeniably stands out for his exceptional dribbling skills, aesthetic style of play, and technical prowess. Ultimately, the assessment of who is the best winger comes down to personal preferences.
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