Eden Hazard backed for Real success

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has tipped Eden Hazard to shine at new club Real Madrid. Hazard has swapped Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu as Real boss Zinedine Zidane tries to usher in a new period of success at the Spanish giants.

The Belgium international is widely regarded as one of the best players in Europe, bagging 110 goals from 352 appearances in all competitions while with the Blues. His huge transfer fee will doubtless heap pressure on the forward’s shoulders but Zola has backed him to cope.

“Madrid have bought a fantastic player,” he told AS. “This year he was incredible. And as a person, that’s how he is too. Chelsea lost a key player and Madrid have gained one.”

Many players have made the switch to Spain and failed to live up to their billing after excelling elsewhere. It remains to be seen how Hazard fares in the pressure cooker situation of playing at arguably the biggest club in world football but Italian Zola, who spent seven seasons with Chelsea, has no doubts that he will continue to shine in his new surroundings.

“I wish him all the best and that it goes as well at Madrid as it did at Chelsea. That’s what he deserves,” he added. “It will go well. His ability doesn’t allow for any doubts. La Liga will be good for him.”

Real are 2.30 to win the La Liga title next season, with Barcelona the 1.67 favourites while Chelsea can be backed at 23.00 for Premier League glory.