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John Obi Mikel has claimed that his former Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard snubbed a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League club before his retirement last month.
The 32-year-old made the announcement following his release from Real Madrid after several disappointing seasons plagued by injury.
Hazard was reported to have had a number of Premier League suitors following his Bernabeu departure and Mikel, who played alongside the Belgian for five years at Stamford Bridge, revealed offers also came from the Middle East.
‘He said, “Mikel, I’ve got a lot of money. You know how I live my life. I don’t spend too much money. So, I have money now to live with my family and to bring up [my children]”‘.
John Obi Mikel has revealed that Eden Hazard tuned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia
The 32-year-old struggled with injuries after completing a move that could have risen to £150m in 2019
Hazard claimed several pieces of silverware during his time at Stamford Bridge including two Premier League titles
Hazard would have joined the likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar and a host of other former greats of the European game in the league last summer.
Instead he opted to call time on a career that had seen its best days during his seven-year spell in west London.
‘You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.’ Hazard wrote in a lengthy Instagram message announcing his retirement. ‘After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
‘I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.
‘During my career I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.’
Hazard helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, a League Cup, FA Cup and two Europa Leagues, being named PFA Player of the Year in 2015.
‘He achieved all that he achieved without putting in effort, imagine if he did.’ Mikel added. ‘This guy comes to training and he doesn’t tie his boots up, he just stands there with his hands in his pants.’
