Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has ignited a footballing debate by asserting that Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo does not overshadow him in terms of 'pure football.' Despite acknowledging Ronaldo as a "bigger player" due to his physical prowess, Hazard firmly believes that when it comes to the essence of the sport, he stands toe-to-toe with the legendary Portuguese forward.
In an exclusive interview with L'Equipe, Hazard shared his thoughts on the current football landscape and emphasized that Lionel Messi, the former captain of Barcelona, remains the greatest footballer in history. "Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one. I loved watching the Barcelona player, less so at the end, but he is the greatest in history," Hazard remarked, shedding light on his admiration for the Argentine maestro.
The Belgian maestro continued to stir the pot, expressing his perspective on Ronaldo's standing compared to himself in pure football. "It is impossible to take the ball away from him. Cristiano is a bigger player than me, but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don't think so. Neymar, maybe. After that, he's no better than me," Hazard boldly claimed, leaving fans and pundits alike with much to ponder.
Hazard, who retired from professional football at the age of 32 last October, added a unique layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the comparisons between Ronaldo and Messi. The timing of his remarks, with Ronaldo and Messi continuing to showcase their skills on the pitch at ages 38 and 36, adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion.
As the football community reacts to Hazard's bold assertions, what defines 'pure football' takes center stage.
