Eden Hazard, the celebrated Chelsea figure, has assembled a five-a-side squad brimming with the club’s legends, notably omitting a goalkeeper and defenders.
The revered former Blue is poised for a heartfelt reunion at Stamford Bridge this summer, participating in the World XI team at Soccer Aid.
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Cherished by the Chelsea faithful for his 110 goals in 352 outings over seven years, Hazard’s tenure was marked by triumphs including two Premier League crowns, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, all achieved with fellow Chelsea stalwarts.
In crafting his ideal five-a-side lineup of Chelsea greats, Hazard opted for a squad rich in skill, though it sports an unorthodox lineup.
“I’m gonna start with myself, can I start with myself? Bit of quality, can score goals you know, and a bit of fun for the fans,” he said when speaking to Soccer Aid.
“I have to tell you, sorry defenders, I know in Chelsea’s history there’s a lot of really good defenders, but I’m gonna play only with a striker or midfield, because I want the ball, sorry for all of the defenders.
“I’m gonna play with Gianfranco Zola, No.10 like me, I’m gonna play with Juan Mata, also a magic left foot, he’s like someone that will never miss control, never miss a pass so I enjoyed to play with him.
“We only played two years I think together but wow, what a moment.
“I have to put Didier Drogba, the king because he’s gonna score the goal you know in the final for sure.
“There’s one missing, there’s so many good players, I’m gonna go with Lamps, as a Chelsea legend I have to put Lamps.
“He’s gonna be midfield alone, we can let him do the bad work for us, give us the ball and then we’re gonna make something happen, you know what I mean? That’s my five-a-side team, Chelsea.”
When asked about not naming someone in goal, he said: “Ah no goalkeeper my friend, we don’t need a goalkeeper in my team.
“Because we’re gonna have the ball all the time so we’re not gonna concede, shoot and this and that so no worries. Goalkeeper, we don’t need you.”
The chosen quintet by Hazard, counting himself, amassed a collective 1,828 appearances for Chelsea, each member having clinched significant titles.
Lampard was Hazard’s most frequent teammate, sharing the field in Chelsea colors 73 times, with Mata a close second at 69 games.
Soccer Aid offers Chelsea supporters the opportunity to once more celebrate Hazard, following his transfer to Real Madrid in 2019.
