'I can still play': Eden Hazard sends Chelsea message after Stamford Bridge homecoming

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Evening Standard

·11 ottobre 2025

'I can still play': Eden Hazard sends Chelsea message after Stamford Bridge homecoming

The Belgian relished his reunion with the Blues faithful

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Eden Hazard admitted he “misses” playing football at Stamford Bridge as he returned to Chelsea’s stadium for a charity match on Saturday.

The Belgian, an undisputed Chelsea legend after spending seven trophy-laden campaigns with the club, started in a line-up filled with fellow Blues greats aiming to get the better of their Liverpool counterparts.

Despite being two years into retirement, he showed glimpses of the flair that made him such a fierce fan favourite during his time in west London. He was withdrawn by manager Roberto Di Matteo in the second half, prior to Ryan Babel’s late winner, and received a standing ovation from the home support.

Hazard had already expressed his feelings about returning to the scene of some of his greatest successes as a player.

“I think I can still play a bit,” the 34-year-old joked when asked how he was feeling at half-time. “It’s been two years since I stopped but it’s always good to be back here at the Bridge with all the fans.”

Hazard mused: “I miss playing football, I miss playing football in a big stadium like today, but I play in the garden with my kids so it’s okay!”

Hazard has five sons, all of whom are Chelsea fans.

“It’s good to be back with the boys,” he continued.

Of one-time teammate Diego Costa, who was booked following a fiery exchange with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, he added: “Of course, this guy [Costa] is still the same, we saw it!

“It’s not an easy game against Liverpool, but that’s why the fans watch. It’s a fantastic cause.”