Antonio Rudiger is delighted Eden Hazard has pledged his immediate future to Real Madrid and is ready to do everything within his powers to help his old Chelsea teammate fulfil his potential with the Spanish giants.
The Belgium international has struggled to make a telling impact at the Bernabeu following his high-profile move from Chelsea nearly three years ago.
A series of debilitating injuries have prevented Hazard from showing the sort of form which marked him out as one of the most decisive and entertaining wingers in Premier League history.
The 31-year-old made just 23 appearances for his club last season and played a bit-part role in Real’s La Liga and Champions League double.
Despite struggling to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, Hazard is determined to show his true colours with the Spanish giants and will be boosted by the presence of his former Chelsea teammate Rudiger.
The Germany international shared a close relationship with Hazard during their time together at Stamford Bridge and the commanding central defender cannot wait to team up with the former Lille star again.
‘I saw it,’ Rudgier told Marca when asked if he noticed Hazard grabbing a microphone after last month’s Champions League triumph and informing Real’s fans he was staying put.
‘And I hope so. I hope he is healthy, because for athletes it is the most important thing. I have no doubts about his quality, he is a top player. I will help him in any way he can.
‘I remember, I remember (when Eden was linked with Real) and in the end he stayed that year! He left a season later, after winning the Europa League.
‘The day he left we were sad, but then I was happy for him, because I knew that Madrid was his dream since he was little, he told us. He was a big fan of Zidane.
‘It makes me very happy to coincide with Eden again, now in Madrid.
‘I know these have been very hard years for him, with many injuries and problems, but I still hope that the Madrid fans can see the Hazard that I played with, because he was without a doubt one of the best footballers in the world.’
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