Eden Hazard set three hilarious rules at opening of Lille training pitch named after him

Eden Hazard brought in three hilarious rules after opening a new training pitch for his former club Lille.

After his contract with Real Madrid was terminated by mutual consent, Hazard retired from football aged 32 in October.

The former Belgium captain's career ended on a sour note after an underwhelming stint at Real, where he scored just seven times in 76 appearances and was plagued by injuries.

But his first employers, Lille, commemorated his achievements in the game.

Making his debut in 2007, Hazard played 194 times for Lille - scoring 53 goals and registering 50 assists.

He won two Ligue One Player of the Year awards and fired Lille to a memorable league and cup double in the 2010/11 campaign prior to his big move to Chelsea.

Lille have celebrated what he did for them by naming a pitch at the Domaine de Luchin facility.

Hazard had an emotional return to the club and in attendance for the 2-2 draw with Rennes on Sunday.

But before that, he opened the pitch and introduced three typical rulings for players who will take to the field.

He said: "I only have one thing to say. This is the Eden Hazard pitch. So no gym, no running. Only playing football and breaking ankles."

Hazard is known for being a lazy trainer and someone who didn't put in maximum effort or look after himself.

But he had unbelievable natural ability which meant he left many defenders looking very silly in his illustrious career.

Hazard opened up about his lifestyle choices in a recent interview with L'Equipe, revealing he would "let himself" go every summer.

He explained: "I'm a bon vivant, I like to eat, with friends, we have a drink.

"With Chelsea I'd just finished one of the best seasons of my career. I said to myself, 'now that I'm at Real Madrid, this is perhaps the last vacation I'll be able to take...'

"And I let go of myself like I let go of myself every summer. Seven years in England, without a break at Christmas, giving everything, so when I have three or four weeks of vacation, 'don't bother me' barbecues, rosé wine... all that.

"And that's what allowed me to reset myself to start again. Then, Real, it went wrong and that's it."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Eden Hazard, Chelsea, Real Madrid

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_