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The Belgian football legend has opened up about getting much needed help from his Nigerian brothers at Chelsea
Eden Hazard, the dazzling Belgian forward whose exploits on the field have captivated football fans around the world, recently shared an insightful glimpse into his early days at Chelsea FC.
Notably, Hazard disclosed a rather unexpected source of his English language education during his transformative years in the Premier League: Super Eagles legends John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.
From Lille to London
Hazard's journey to Chelsea in 2012, following the club's triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the then-Lille star.
His move from France's Ligue 1 to the rigorous demands of English football was not just a step up in his professional career but also posed a significant personal challenge: mastering the English language.
Learning English, The Naija Way
In an engaging conversation on the ObiOne Podcast, Hazard revealed the unique method he employed to overcome the language barrier. Surrounded by teammates from various backgrounds, it was Mikel and Moses, the Nigerian internationals, who played an inadvertent yet pivotal role in Hazard's linguistic journey. "The first two years, my English was not that good. Me, you, talking together, I was like what are these guys saying," Hazard recounted.
Adopting a hands-on approach, Hazard chose to immerse himself in the English language by simply spending more time with Mikel and Moses. "So I'm going to take my rice pudding just to stay next to them, and that's where I learnt English," he explained, highlighting how everyday interactions with his teammates served as his classroom.
A Friendship Beyond Football
Hazard's anecdote sheds light on the camaraderie and close-knit nature of football dressing rooms. Playing alongside Mikel Obi for five seasons, Hazard developed a bond with the Super Eagles legend, as well as with Moses. These relationships, forged on the field, extended beyond professional boundaries, facilitating Hazard's acclimation to life in England and the Premier League.
Hazard's seven-year tenure at Chelsea was marked by dazzling displays of skill, crucial goals, and a deep connection with the fans. Before his high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2019, Hazard had etched his name in Chelsea folklore, becoming an icon of the West London club.
Yet, beyond the trophies and accolades, Hazard's story of learning English through the camaraderie of football highlights the sport's capacity to unite and educate in the most unexpected ways.
As Hazard continues to grace the football world with his talent, his reflections on the early days at Chelsea offer a heartwarming reminder of the role teammates play in shaping not just a player's career, but also their personal growth and adaptation to new challenges.
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