Read the full, exclusive interview with Roberto Martínez here!
Eden Hazard’s international farewell came as no surprise, not even for Roberto Martínez. “Eden has two passions: his family and football. In one of those passions, he has suffered enormously in the past two years,” says Martínez, who will be national coach from January 1. “He was an incredible player for the Red Devils – we must cherish that. There were already great names above the number 10 on shirts, but he has written stories in gold letters at his position. Everything about him has made the national team a better institution.”
An international farewell was of course quickly reversed. Messi said goodbye to the Albiceleste, but was showing off the World Cup a few weeks ago. “An Eden comeback? I don’t see that happening,” said Martínez. “You always return for a specific competition. A European Championship or World Cup. Eden is a team player. I don’t think he would return for a tournament he didn’t qualify for on the field. Then he would also hinder someone who did.”
“But my dream is – I’m not saying it’s happening – that Eden Hazard will return for the Olympic Games in Paris,” said Martínez. “That would be a way to end his international career. If the U21 can qualify, wouldn’t it be great to see Eden Hazard play football in Paris?”
And that’s not even such a bad idea. A few years ago it was rumored that Hazard would like to participate in the Games in Tokyo, if the U21 qualify for it. “Eden has already asked me if he can come along to Tokyo,” revealed then U21 national coach Johan Walem for the U21 European Championships in Italy and San Marino. However, Walem’s troops finished last in their group at the European Championship and thus missed a ticket to Tokyo. Will Hazard get another chance in 2024?