Belgium superstar Eden Hazard faces a “positive dilemma” about embracing a new adventure in La Liga with Real Madrid or extending his successful stint at Chelsea, according to club legend Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Winger Hazard, 27, has been locked in talks about renewing terms at Stamford Bridge that are set to expire in June 2020. Long-standing interest from Real has complicated the matter, as they reportedly view the beguiling two-time Premier League champion as a major part of their summer revamp.
The path to Spain beckoned Gudjohnsen during his days in west London, an offer from Barcelona proving irresistible in 2006 after also winning a pair of top-flight crowns and scoring 78 times in 263 appearances. Speaking at JA Centre of Excellence for a Football Escapes course, the esteemed ex-Iceland forward told Hazard to do whatever makes him feel happy.
“I think Hazard is, especially, the best player in the Premier League,” Gudjohnsen told Sport360.
“It is a difficult one [a move to Spain] because we all have our ambitions and our different characters. I don’t know him very well.
“He just needs to be happy. When I left Chelsea, I didn’t really want to leave.
“It was just the situation I was in. But obviously we are talking about Barcelona, it was almost impossible to turn that down.
“If you were to ask me now [about Hazard], it is a positive dilemma for him. Chelsea are a lovely club, I love the club and I loved my time there, I was sad when I left and I have fond memories.
“I hope he makes a few more memories before he eventually leaves. I hope he stays at Chelsea.”
Hazard has won four major honours and scored 87 times in 284 matches since Chelsea won the race for his signature from Ligue 1’s Lille with a £32 million (Dh180.8m) bid in June 2012.
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Meanwhile, an interesting few days lie ahead for Gudjohnsen as his former employers clash in the Champions League’s round-of-16.
Amid a backdrop of rumours about the future of Blues boss Antonio Conte, the runaway La Liga leaders visit the Bridge for Tuesday’s first leg.
This is a rivalry that has thrown up pulsating matches and classic moments.
Highlights from their 12 clashes in Europe’s elite club competition include Brazil legend Ronaldinho’s unique toe-punt in 2005 and England midfielder Frank Lampard’s goal from an impossible angle a year later.
Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta then produced a late hammer blow in 2009 after a tumultuous semi-final stained by Tom Henning Ovrebo’s infamous officiating, while a smash-and-grab was orchestrated by caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo at Camp Nou during the same stage on the way to 2011/12’s unlikely triumph for Chelsea.
Eidur Gudjohnsen (r) of Chelsea challenges Ronaldinho of Barcelona during 2006’s Champions League.
“It brings back a few memories, I must admit,” said Gudjohnsen of the match-up. “I wouldn’t say there is rivalry between the clubs, but they have played each other quite a times in recent years and they’ve always been very exciting games.
“I was lucky enough to score for Chelsea against Barcelona and then for Barcelona against Chelsea.
“So that’s given me a few mixed emotions. This game has had a bit of everything; games with lots of goals, lots of quality, quality players on display.
“I’m torn a little bit. Chelsea, obviously, have been a bit inconsistent in recent weeks.
“Even though Barcelona are sitting very comfortable in La Liga, I don’t think it is the best Barcelona team ever.”
Kids between five-15-years old can take part in Football Escapes, who provide premier coaching courses in partnership with some of the finest and most exclusive resorts around the world.
The next courses at JA Centre of Excellence are from April 2-6 and 9-13, running from 10:00-12:00 five-days-a-week. For more information, visit www.footballescapes.com/destinations/dubai.
