Jose Mourinho Breaks Silence on Eden Hazard Drama with Stunning Hall of Fame Revelation
José Mourinho put to rest any remaining speculation about tension between him and Eden Hazard through a heartfelt congratulatory message for the newest Premier League Hall of Fame member.
Hazard served as the brilliant focal point of Mourinho's championship-winning squad in 2014–15. The Belgian attacker featured in every single Premier League match as Chelsea dominated from the season's opening week, mesmerizing defenders with his captivating blend of elegance and intensity.
Mourinho, who had come back for his second tenure at Chelsea in 2013, was visibly amazed by Hazard's abilities. The Portuguese tactician would diminish opposing players' reputations in pre-game briefings by dismissing them as "no Maradona, no Messi, no Hazard."
As Hazard shared on a podcast with former Chelsea colleague John Obi Mikel the previous year, "The initial two campaigns [under Mourinho] were fantastic. Remember the opening year, the squad was fresh so it was just getting started. Then José's second season we claimed the title and captured the League Cup.
"Then the third campaign brought emerging issues, we dropped matches and eventually the bond deteriorated somewhat."
Hazard's performance plummeted dramatically during the 2015–16 season. When he finally netted his opening Premier League goal in April, Mourinho had already been unemployed for four months.
Disagreements arose regarding the natural winger's optimal position—with suggestions for a more central role proposed by the player—and the Portuguese coach was eventually dismissed in December 2015 as his title-holders lingered dangerously close to the drop zone.
Ten years later, Mourinho harbored no resentment. "Eden, heartfelt congratulations on your Premier League Hall of Fame induction," the mellowed 62-year-old expressed in a video tribute shown to a moved Hazard. "Everyone recognizes you deserve this honor. You rank among the most exceptional players I've ever coached and certainly earned your place there.
"You've joined the Hall of Fame so now you remain in our hearts—and incidentally, thank you tremendously for contributing to my final Premier League championship!"
Hazard Chuckles His Way Into the Record Books
Hazard never fit the typical Mourinho player mold. Instead of placing triumph above all else, the cheerful forward openly valued pleasure over prizes. Recognition would eventually come.
"For a modest Belgian lad from Braine-le-Comte simply enjoying football, earning Premier League Hall of Fame recognition alongside these legendary players at 34 is amazing," Hazard reflected.
"My aspiration was competing at the pinnacle and I achieved it, so I'm truly content. Match after match, you face major contests, and when the season concludes you celebrate silverware with your squad. It's a wonderful sensation.
"When you find the net, when you claim titles, you crave more. I'm proud knowing I accomplished some meaningful things during seven Premier League seasons.
"We don't compete individually, so this recognition belongs to everyone who backed me—my family, my teammates and supporters, my friends—this belongs to all of us."