Chelsea and Eden Hazard part ways with no regrets, only mutual affection

Eden Hazard has been one Chelsea Football Club’s humblest of servants. This is a sad day for all Chelsea fans.

Eden Hazard has finally hit the eject button and is heading off to Spain to fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid. We cannot blame him and nor should we want to stop him. He’s served all of Chelsea FC well.

Hazard has been truly special for Chelsea simply because he was a world-class player pulling on the Blue shirt week in, week out at the height of hiscareer. The Belgian has not been a member of the club of players who see Chelsea as one final meal ticket, the final stop on the road to retirement.

Of course, back in the day, just after Chelsea had triumphed in the Champions League, it was Joe Cole who aided and abetted the young Eden Hazard’s arrival in SW6. During a loan spell at French outfit Lille, the Englishman realised Hazard had a potential that could be better fulfilled at Stamford Bridge. Cole made the right call on behalf of his old club and, with victories in two Europa Leagues, two Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, and one League Cup, Hazard has realized that potential in spades.

Individual moments of skill have been a regular occurrence during his seven years with the club, and well documented, too. But Eden Hazard has always maintained a love for Chelsea and those that follow them. That is what sets him on a higher plane.

Whilst his compatriot Thibaut Courtois was trying to force his way out of the club a couple of years ago, Hazard held his counsel.

He’s never made a secret of wanting to play for Real Madrid. After all, why wouldn’t he want to go to play for a club as iconic as Los Blancos. Chelsea do have history, though. In fact, their first European trophy came with a win over Real Madrid in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971. Real Madrid’s history is footballing folklore, though. The names that have passed through that club read like a who’s who of footballing idols.

Hazard deserves the chance and still has the potential to add his name to that list. He can look forward to playing under the management of his own footballing hero, Zinedine Zidane, whilst enhancing his reputation further.

Eden Hazard really owes Chelsea fans nothing as he moves on. He ought to leave with both our backing and our blessing. His stats speak for themselves and need not be mentioned here as we say goodbye.

Reading back, this almost appears to be a eulogy for a sadly departed family member or friend. For Chelsea fans, the loss will be deeply felt.

Social media will no doubt be awash with fans of other clubs rejoicing in Hazard’s departure as they’ll no longer see their teams tortured by his silky skills. Unfortunately for them, Chelsea are a resilient outfit and have seen big players depart in seasons past. That has never prevented them from competing at a high level or from winning trophies.

Good luck, Eden. Do well in Madrid, and when our paths cross once again you can be sure of a tremendous welcome from those who have truly loved watching you play for the last seven years.