Eden Hazard has predicted that Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior could retire early from football, drawing shocking comparisons between the Brazilian's current experience and his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite injuries limiting their time together on the pitch to just 27 games, Hazard spent four seasons sharing the dressing room with Vinicius and believes he has a unique insight into the player's mentality.
"He's just someone who loves football, who loves to play and just wants to have fun. A bit like me when I was on the pitch."
"Now, we talk more about what he does or what he endures than what he brings to the pitch. People forget what an extraordinary player he is. It must weigh heavily on him. It can't be easy to go into a match and only think about football," Hazard initially said.
"He has so much on his mind before a game, sometimes I think, 'It looks bad for him.' He knows he's going to have to deal with this, because not much happens in terms of sanctions. It must be a burden."
"I wouldn't be surprised if, at the age of 30, he says he's leaving, that he's quitting football because, in any case, nothing changes."
"As a friend, I would say: 'Take care. Play the way you want to play, but be careful. People are on your side, so play football, enjoy yourself, make real football fans happy.'"
"When you dance, you dance in such a way that people like you. Ronaldinho danced too; I don't remember seeing all these stories."
"I lived with Vinicius for four years, and I quickly realized that he was strong mentally and physically. To live at the best club and do what he does. Respect for him," the Belgian concluded.Telegrafi/
