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What's the story?
Eden Hazard pens an emotional farewell message and explains why he chose to join Real Madrid.
Real Madrid announced the signing of Eden Hazard on a five-year deal last night. The Belgian will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu on 13th June after undergoing a medical with the club.
In case you didn't know...
Hazard has proven himself to be one of the best forwards in the Premier League since his arrival at Chelsea. The 28-year-old bagged 21 goals and 17 assists in all competitions in the 2018/19 season, inspiring the Blues to a Europa League final win against Arsenal.
It goes without saying that Hazard played a pivotal role for Chelsea as they finished third in the Premier League table. With 16 goals and 15 assists in the league, Hazard has been involved in the most number of goals (31) than any other player.
Hazard has never hidden his desire to play for Real Madrid. The Belgian forward flaunted his admiration to Los Blancos numerous times in the last couple of seasons. With his arrival, he has become the first Galactico-style signing since James Rodriguez arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014.
The heart of the matter
In an emotional farewell letter, Hazard reveals why he left for Real Madrid.
Hazard wrote on Facebook:
"To my Chelsea friends and family, you now know that I will be joining Real Madrid."
"It's no secret that it was my dream to play for them since I was a young boy just scoring my first goal. I have tried my very best not to distract myself or the team through this difficult period of speculation and media attention, especially the last six months."
"Now the clubs have reached an agreement I hope you understand I had to pursue my next chapter, just as each and every one of you should when you have the chance to pursue your dreams. Leaving Chelsea is the biggest and toughest decision in my career to date."
What's next?
Hazard will officially be presented by Real Madrid on 13th June.
