EDEN HAZARD “let his career die” at Real Madrid, his former team-mate Toni Kroos has claimed.
Hazard, 32, saw his £400,000-a-week contract ripped up by Los Blancos last week after a torturous four years at the Bernabeu.
Plagued by injuries and fitness issues, the Belgian, who arrived from Chelsea for an initial £88million, contributed just seven goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Now a free agent, he is reportedly considering retirement from football.
And Real Madrid’s £115m signing of Jude Bellingham, 19, has brought with it a warning from Kroos, 33, as he compares the deal with Hazard’s in 2019.
Speaking on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, he said: “We had another player [Hazard] who came for a lot of money and basically let his career die.
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“It was a lot of money, I think everyone would say that wasn’t a good transfer. But let’s be positive.”
Back in May, it was confirmed Kroos had taken up a contract extension to remain at the club until 2024.
He has already won three LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues since joining Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014.
But he now faces huge competition for his spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield.
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The German, who has enjoyed a legendary partnership with Luka Modric, 37, will be attempting to fend off Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Meanwhile, after Bellingham signed for Real, Vinicius Junior tweeted: “Welcome to the best team in the world, @BellinghamJude.”
The England international arrives after Real missed out in both LaLiga and the Champions League this season.
Barcelona coasted to the Spanish title, while Ancelotti’s side came up short in the defence of their European crown as they were blown away by Manchester City in the semi-finals.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
