Eden Hazard, the dazzling Belgian forward whose exploits on the field have captivated football fans worldwide, recently shared an insightful glimpse into his early days at Chelsea FC.
Notably, he revealed a rather unexpected source of his English education during his transformative years in the Premier League: Super Eagles legends John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.
From Lille to London
His journey to Chelsea in 2012, following the club’s triumphant campaign in the UEFA Champions League, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the former Lille star. His transition from the French Ligue 1 to the rigorous demands of English football was not only a progression in his professional career but also presented a significant personal challenge: mastering the English language.
Learning English, the Naija way
In an engaging conversation on the ObiOne podcast, Eden Hazard revealed the unique method he employed to overcome the language barrier.
Surrounded by teammates from diverse backgrounds, it was Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, the Nigerian internationals, who inadvertently but nonetheless played a central role in Hazard’s linguistic journey.
“The first two years, my English was not very good. You and I, speaking together, I was wondering what these guys were saying,” Hazard recounted.
Opting for a practical approach, he chose to immerse himself in the English language simply by spending more time with the two Nigerian footballers. “So I will take my rice pudding just to stay next to them, and that’s where I learned English,” he explained, emphasizing how daily interactions with his teammates served as his classroom.
Friendship beyond football
Hazard’s anecdote highlights the camaraderie and close-knit nature of football locker rooms.
Playing alongside Mikel Obi for 5 seasons, Eden Hazard developed a bond with the Super Eagles legend, as well as with Moses.
These relationships, forged on the field, extend beyond professional boundaries, facilitating Hazard’s adaptation to life in England and the Premier League.
Hazard’s 7 years at Chelsea were marked by dazzling displays of skill, crucial goals, and a deep connection with the fans.
Prior to his highly publicized transfer to Real Madrid in 2019, the Belgian had etched his name into Chelsea folklore, becoming an icon of the West London club.
Yet, beyond the trophies and accolades, Hazard’s story of learning English through football camaraderie highlights the sport’s ability to unite and educate in the most unexpected ways.
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