Often criticized for his controversial media outings, Thibaut Courtois wanted to pay tribute to a teammate to whom he was very close.
They followed each other in selection and in club, from Brussels to Madrid, via London. Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard have had a long-standing relationship. Sometimes opposed for their weight in the national team, these two icons of Belgian football hold each other in high esteem. So when the former Lille player announced the end of his professional career this Wednesday, the goalkeeper could not remain indifferent.
“No it wasn’t a surprise, we went to eat together in September and I already felt that it was over in his head, even though he received several offers. I just didn’t know when he was going to announce it. Naturally it’s a bit of a shame because Eden Hazard is a special player, it’s a shame he’s no longer a footballer. But it’s his choice,” commented Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois praises Hazard’s career
“He had a long career, because he started very early as a professional in Lille, continued Courtois in comments made on RTBF. So in the end, he had a nice career. We must be happy with what he has done for our country and for the world of football. Small injuries are always a shame, for all players. I would have liked to see him play like at Chelsea at Real Madrid but sometimes it doesn’t go as planned. It’s part of football…”. A beautiful tribute which should not leave Eden Hazard indifferent.
