Eden Hazard is “sad in football terms” at Real Madrid and is experiencing the situation for the first time, according to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.
The 30-year-old Belgian winger’s ill-fated spell at Madrid has been curtailed by various injuries since his sensational 2019 transfer from Chelsea.
Hazard has managed four starts in 10 La Liga appearances this season and picked up a single assist, with the former Chelsea star failing to find the back of the net.
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The Madrid flop, who is under contract until 2024, has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in bringing Hazard back to Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle have been linked with the Belgium international in recent weeks.
Now, Martinez has claimed that Hazard is in the best shape of his life, despite his current predicament at Los Blancos.
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However, the former Everton and Wigan manager has urged Madrid to keep “faith” in an “exceptional talent” like Hazard.
“Hazard is medically in his best moment since he arrived at Real Madrid,” Martinez told El Partidazo de COPE.
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“He is sad in football terms, this is the first time that he is experiencing this situation.
“He is a player who has always led winning projects and now he doesn’t have that role, but he is a footballer of exceptional talent and that is never lost, you have to have faith in him.”
Hazard has scored five times in 54 appearances during his three seasons at Madrid.
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The Madrid winger is keen to fight for his place under Carlo Ancelotti, but the Los Blancos boss has hinted that Hazard could be shown the door.
“Never in my career, as a coach, have I forced a player to stay when they want to leave,” he said ahead of the international break.
“In my own personal opinion, I don’t have any doubts about that.”
Madrid are currently second in La Liga and will return to action on 21st November against Granada.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, La Liga, Spain, Football, Roberto Martinez