In an age where footballers seem to display ridiculous levels of self belief on an almost daily basis, comments such as this are unusual.
Eden Hazard entered the current season as the reigning PFA Player of the Year and, still only 24-years-old, has every right to be considered one of the most exciting players around.
Naturally, his attacking flair and speed have seen parallels made between him and Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to Sport/Foot Magazine, the Chelsea player admits that he is doubtful that he will ever reach the level of the multiple Ballon D’Or winners when it comes to his goal tally.
“I often ask myself what I can do to become like Messi and Ronaldo and score 50 or 60 goals in a season. I try of course but I realise that I will never be a true scorer. It’s not in me. It is mainly mental,” Hazard said.
“Sometimes I still think after a goal, ‘that’s enough’. I’m not in search of records like some other players—if I can score between 15 and 20 goals each season, I will be very happy,” he added.
Although for any footballer to reach Messi/Ronaldo levels is almost unthinkable, Hazard’s honesty is a rarity. Perhaps he’s learned one or two things from his manager about deflecting media attention?
Hazard does go on to warn that he feels there is still plenty more to come from him.
“I’m at a peak of my career but I want to become even better every day. I’m not there yet.”
