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Marcel Desailly opens up on why Eden Hazard failed to reach Chelsea heights at Real Madrid

Originally posted on HITC | By Caleb Sage | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 3:30 PM ET

Eden Hazard’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid never really worked out, and Marcel Desailly has been reflecting on why it did not come together for the Belgian star in Spain.

Hazard joined Real in 2019 in a deal worth up to £150 million but left four years later after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.

Injuries played a major role during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, limiting him to just 76 appearances and seven goals.

The Belgian achieved significant success during his 352 appearances at Stamford Bridge, scoring 110 goals, but things did not go to plan in Madrid.

Marcel Desailly believes Eden Hazard should have put in more effort at Real Madrid

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Desailly believes that, beyond his natural ability, Hazard needed to show more commitment if he was going to make it at the Bernabeu.

The former France international also mentioned that lifestyle choices, including diet, may have played a part in why things did not work out for the Belgian forward.

“He was well protected at Chelsea and he did very well. Amazing Hazard, we love him. But when he joined Real Madrid, other players are there. You need to be committed also at the training session, your lifestyle, your diet, what you drink, what you eat, the intensity of the stress,” Desailly told The Independent.

Marcel Desailly explains what Chelsea need to do to reach the next level

Hazard played a big role in two of those title-winning sides, helping them lift the Premier League trophy in both 2015 and 2017.

Right now, however, the Blues are nowhere near that level.

According to Desailly, bringing in an experienced centre-forward could be the key step towards closing that gap.

“I still believe that they need that experienced striker to be able to bring the team to another level,” the former centre-back said.

Chelsea have already added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, with Emanuel Emegha expected to join next summer. Given these moves, it would be surprising if they target another striker in 2026.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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