Eden Hazard’s return to Stamford Bridge was a big part of Chelsea Legends’ match against Liverpool Legends in a charity showcase. The Belgian star got a huge round of applause and then talked about what it meant to be back where he became a club legend.
Liverpool won the exhibition 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ryan Babe. The money went to charity foundations, while the fans were glad to see their former heroes back on the field. Hazard is still one of the most popular players in SW6. He has won the Chelsea Player of the Year award four times, and when he came back, the crowd cheered the loudest.
Speaking to the club’s media, he said:
“So it was good to be back with the boys, see them and touch the ball with them. It was good to be back, to see some faces I knew before. You saw it, it was not easy, there is no easy game against Liverpool, but that’s what the fans want to see.”
He also spoke about his performance:
“I think I can still play a bit. It’s been two years since I stopped, but it’s always good to be back here at the Bridge with all the fans. I miss playing football in a big stadium like this, but I play in the garden with my kids, so it’s okay. I have five and they’re all Chelsea fans.”
Chelsea prepare to face Nottingham Forest
Chelsea is ready to play Nottingham Forest after the international break. The City Ground at NG2 will host the meeting on Saturday, October 18.
The Blues’ late surge against Liverpool before the break has gotten fans excited about the club’s potential this season. Estevao’s goal in stoppage time gave Stamford Bridge a 2–1 win and backs up faith in Enzo Maresca’s tactics. The club’s next step will be to make an away statement at Nottingham.
Maresca will hold a press conference before the Forest game on Friday, where updates on players’ health and fitness levels are expected. Several reports also say that Estevao needs to be watched after he got sick while playing for Brazil.
Chelsea will hope that the teenager who shocked Liverpool will travel and train well before being picked.