Eden Hazard Hilariously Mocks Himself as Lille Honors Him with Training Pitch

Former football star Eden Hazard reacted humorously to Lille‘s tribute of naming a training pitch after him at Domaine de Luchin. During the unveiling event, Hazard took a light-hearted approach, poking fun at himself and his previous reputation.

The 33-year-old, known for his time at Real Madrid, jokingly remarked, ‘I only have one thing to say. This is the Eden Hazard pitch. So no gym, no running. Only playing football and breaking ankles.’

His witty comment referenced past accusations about his fitness and weight during his career, particularly during his tenure at Real Madrid. Hazard playfully alluded to the struggles he faced with maintaining his peak physical condition, notably regarding his ankles.

Lille, where Hazard began his stellar career, honored him by dedicating a training pitch in his name. The Ligue 1 club also unveiled a stone monument adjacent to the training ground and presented a plaque to the beloved former player.

Starting his journey at Lille, Eden Hazard made 194 appearances for the club, scoring 53 goals before departing for Chelsea in 2012, a significant move in his career. At Chelsea, Hazard achieved great success, winning multiple Premier League titles, Europa Leagues, and domestic cups, solidifying his reputation as one of the era’s most remarkable players.

While at Real Madrid, Hazard faced challenges, with criticisms often centered around his weight and fitness levels. Following the unveiling of the training ground in his honor, Hazard witnessed Lille’s thrilling comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Rennes, culminating in a dramatic 92nd-minute equalizer by Jonathan David.