By Betsefy
Eden Hazard has said that he is determined to stay at Real Madrid despite his lack of football for the European and Spanish champions during the 2022-23 campaign.
The 31-year-old has only made six appearances for Los Blancos this term, with just three of those coming in La Liga, totalling just 98 minutes in Spain’s top flight this season.
Hazard’s future continues to be called into question, with his contract at Bernabeu only having just over 18 months left to run.
The Belgium international has been linked with a January exit, with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti only using him once in the league since the middle of August.
However, Hazard has said that he has no intention of leaving the capital giants and is hopeful that his “situation will change” following the World Cup, where he will represent his country.
© Reuters
“I don’t want to leave Real Madrid. Maybe my situation will change after the World Cup,” Hazard told reporters on Monday.
“I want to play but it’s the manager who makes his choices. I accept, but I want to show him that I deserve to play more. When you don’t play it’s difficult.”
Hazard is also keen to prove his doubters wrong, with the attacker confident that he still has a lot to offer, as he prepares to turn out for Belgium in Qatar.
“I’m keeping my smile. I’ve had a difficult few months where I haven’t been able to gain much rhythm. I now have to show that I can still do it. I don’t doubt it myself, but I understand that the outside world does,” he added.
“Just like at the last Euros. I gained minutes in the first matches and was there in the quarter-final against Portugal. Our medical and technical staff will help me (be ready).
© Reuters
“I feel good physically. Of course, I miss rhythm, that’s why the last practice match against Egypt (is important). Then I want to be there for the first match (in Qatar).
“I have not suddenly lost my qualities. This will be my third World Cup and I want to show that Belgium can still count on its captain and that I want to give everything (for the team).
“Together with a few other boys, I have reached an age where you can drop out (of the team). But not before going all out in Qatar first.
“Our first focus should be on surviving the group stage. Then anything is possible if we give the maximum. Quarter-final, semi-final or even the final.”
Belgium will compete in Group F at the upcoming World Cup, taking on Canada, Morocco and Croatia, with their tournament opener coming against the former on November 23.
