Eden Hazard sends four-word message to Chelsea fans ahead of Stamford Bridge return
This Saturday, eight months after declaring his retirement from football, Eden Hazard will make his way back to Stamford Bridge.
The former Belgium international played for Chelsea for seven years in total before departing in the summer of 2019 to join Real Madrid. He made 352 appearances throughout that period, helping the team with 85 assists and 110 goals.
This weekend, Hazard will make his Chelsea comeback as a member of the Rest of the World team playing in the Soccer Aid charity match. In order to raise money for UNICEF, teams of celebrities and former professionals compete against one another in this game.
Over £90 million has been raised for the charity in previous tournaments. An England XI plays a World XI in this match.
Celebrities include Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Danny Dyer and Lee Mack. Hazard will be part of the world XI where he will play alongside fellow Chelsea legends Petr Cech, Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel.
It seems that Hazard is taking his preparation for the game seriously. Taking to Instagram he has shared a picture of him riding a bicycle up a mountain with the caption reading “Climbing to the top.”
Former Chelsea midfielder and manager Frank Lampard will be taking charge of the England team for the match. He will be managing a squad that includes Joe Cole and Gary Cahill.
Upon announcing his involvement in the match, Hazard said: “I spent seven years [at Chelsea], the best memories of my football career.”
“I met great players, not just inside the team but also outside the club. It was seven years of pure happiness.
“When you leave, you always feel a bit sad – but this club is always in my head. It’s going to be at Stamford Bridge with friends, so it is going to be a great night.”