Oh, Eden. Why does it have to be this way? We all probably knew it was going to come to this, but I don’t think any of us really believed it was going to happen. After all, on your day, you are the best in the world. There are many such days.
Just being able to see your talent, creativity and skill on a football field brings joy not only to me but to millions of fans around the world. You came to the club when I was just 11 years old and although I was lucky enough to watch the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba put the ball into the back of the net, for To a lot of people around me, I’m lucky. For a generation, you are that legend. It’s the name on the back of every shirt we buy every season, the face on the poster on the wall, and the Match Attax cards we love to collect.
When you were on the pitch, I thought Chelsea would never lose. You always come up with something – labyrinthine runs, clever finishes, expert passes. You have it all, more than I could ever appreciate at that age. A true artist with a ball at your feet, your performances have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. Your presence on the pitch has been a source of inspiration to young players and fans who aspire to be in your shoes one day.
But as I’ve grown up, as I sit here writing this, I now really understand what you lose in football when you retire. In fact, I feel sorry for those who never got to see you play, who never got to witness the magic you continued to work on the pitch. Time is often something that humans can never truly grasp, an elegant concept beyond our control, an extremely deep and complex topic that we cannot truly understand. But somehow none of that works any time you have the ball at your feet. You can pause, fast forward, and rewind at will.
From the first penalty against Newcastle in front of the Shedd Stadium to the final penalty against Arsenal in Baku, it has been a wild ride. You basically win it all for us and sometimes it seems like you can do it yourself. After all, that “stealing” goal against Liverpool can show us that.
The goal that best reflects your personal talent is always the “goal” against Arsenal. I’m sure you remember it clearly. I know a lot of us do. February 4, 2017. A dazzling solo effort knocked Francis Coquelin to the ground after receiving the ball in his own half, leaving him free to strike towards Laurent Koscielny and Peter Che Hyuk shows up and lands a cheeky jab at both of them – all leading up to one of the most satisfying knee slides The Bridge has ever seen.
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But it’s not just your moments on the court, it’s your moments off the court as well. Branislav Ivanovic’s laughter as he tried to speak English to fans during a charity video shoot, Antonio Rudiger’s plea to stay after winning the FA Cup in 2018, and all you can talk about Just your upcoming vacation and a funny photo of you wearing a Petr Cech hat. All of this culminated in the greatest footballer Stamford Bridge has had the privilege of witnessing in the past decade.
I understand you have faced some of the toughest challenges and setbacks throughout your career, especially in recent years due to injuries. Not to take away the pain you feel, but as a fan, it breaks my heart to see your career end at such a cost. We all wish you well as you leave Stamford Bridge for the last time to play in Spain and welcome you back with open arms as you join Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Unfortunately, you don’t need me to tell you that your last few years haven’t been anything like the Eden Hazard of old. But this is nothing to be ashamed of. It must simply be accepted as part of life. Everyone has their ups and downs and we are lucky to be able to share these moments with you.
Part of me felt like the final song would be perfect – it didn’t even have to be with the blues. Take your talents to the upcoming scene and maybe even play in MLS with Lionel Messi and company at Inter Miami. I hear the weather in Miami is great, even at this time of year. But of course, I know that making the decision to continue playing and then to return now, even in a different capacity, is a very personal decision that cannot be taken lightly and cannot be made quickly.
I have no doubt that your experience and expertise will be invaluable in mentoring and guiding the young talent of the future, whether in coaching, mentoring or football management. There is no doubt that the football community will benefit from your continued involvement and wisdom. While I respect your decision, I sincerely hope that you will give it some serious thought and explore the possibilities that still exist for you in football.
Whether at Chelsea or elsewhere, your return is sure to be a moment of celebration and joy for fans around the world. But as you said in your announcement, you have to listen to yourself and say stop when the time is right.
So when that flag goes up against Arsenal at the Matthew Harding Stadium with your name, your number and your face on it, we know your passion, your spirit, your essence will be there on the pitch. on every player. They will do everything they can to take all three points against their arch rivals and you often make it look so easy for your opponents and every coming and coming game will do exactly the same to the millions of people cheering you on Smile and laugh.
I think I speak for millions of people when I express my best wishes for your next adventure in life and sincerely thank you for every memory we have cherished throughout your careers.
oliver jones
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