Updated January 7th, 2020 at 16:30 IST

Eden Hazard turns 29: The Belgian's strange pre-match routine revealed by former teammate

According to former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, Eden Hazard did not take his pre-match preparations seriously. Keep reading for Hazard's pre-match routine.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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Real Madrid will be participating in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. However, manager Zinedine Zidane will be without the service of his star signing Eden Hazard who is out due to an injury. As the Belgian turns 29, his pre-match routine during his stay at Chelsea has been revealed by one of his former Chelsea teammates.

Also Read | Eden Hazard Delights Real Madrid Fans With Video Revealing His Return To Full Fitness

Eden Hazard used to play Mario Kart before a game, says Filipe Luis

According to former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, Eden Hazard did not take his pre-match preparations seriously. Luis, while speaking to YouTube channel 2AngryMen TV, asserted that Hazard used to play Mario Kart in the dressing room before a game.

The fitness coach would inform the players to be ready in 10 minutes for the warm-up. However, the Belgian would not be dressed and rather would keep playing. He would keep on playing until the coach would scold him to start warming up. However, Hazard would reply by saying that the coach need not worry. He just needed the ball to address the coach’s concerns.

Also Read | "Eden Hazard is the Michael Jordan of football," says Belgium manager Roberto Martinez

Eden Hazard was criticised for arriving over-weight at Real Madrid

Though Eden Hazard is lauded for his display on the field, the player is equally criticised for his unprofessional behaviour outside the ground. He was heavily criticised after he had arrived at Real Madrid being unfit and over-weight. It is also reported that he used to take his training sessions at the Stamford Bridge not-so-seriously.

Also Read | Chelsea Team of the Decade: Eden Hazard, Lampard spearhead successful decade for Blues

Real Madrid will next play against Villareal in the Spanish Super Cup

Since his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu, Eden Hazard has been injured twice. He sustained the first injury before the beginning of LaLiga and went on to miss the initial matches. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Thomas Meunier was left devastated after he accidentally injured the former Chelsea star. Real Madrid played PSG on Matchday 5 of the Champions League.

Hazard had to be subbed off in the 67th minute after suffering an ankle injury. He was expected to be back within 10 days and was thought to be fit to play El Clasico. However, the player’s injury was said to have aggravated, compelling him to miss the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid will play against Villareal in the tournament to be held in King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on January 8, 2020 (January 9 according to IST).

Also Read | Outrageous bicycle kick goal in Chelsea-Brighton match; Alireza Jahanbaksh - take a bow

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Published January 7th, 2020 at 16:30 IST