Former Chelsea wonderkid who was tipped to be 'next Eden Hazard' and fell out with Cesc Fabregas retires aged 28 with shock statement
Share this @internewscast.com

A former Chelsea wonderkid who was seen as a potential successor to Eden Hazard has hung up his boots aged 28 after a career ravaged by injuries. 

The Belgian joined Chelsea’s youth system in 2012 with his two older brothers after being linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid. 

Hazard was a mentor and a ‘good friend’ to the young winger growing up but he would only go on to make seven senior appearances for the Blues.

The player in question is Charly Musonda, whose last game was in January last year for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta.

Despite being tipped for big things, he only managed 74 appearances and two goals across his career.

Former Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda has hung up his boots aged 28 after injuries

Former Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda has hung up his boots aged 28 after injuries 

He was once tipped to the next Eden Hazard and spoke of how the Belgian was a mentor to him

He was once tipped to the next Eden Hazard and spoke of how the Belgian was a mentor to him

Knee injuries saw him miss three years of his career and he only made 63 appearances in total

Knee injuries saw him miss three years of his career and he only made 63 appearances in total

Knee injuries and surgery him ruled out for a total of three years and stunted his growth, which had begun so promisingly as he represented Belgium at under-21s level.

Sometimes his talent even got him on the wrong side of his own team-mates.

In 2015, when he was 19, he got involved in an alleged training ground bust-up with none other than Cesc Fabregas. 

The Spain midfielder reacted angrily after Musonda flicked the ball over his head before nutmegging him in training. 

Fabregas then unleashed a heavy challenge on him which sparked a melee among the squad and forced heated words between the two. 

Announcing his retirement on Monday, Musonda told the Rising Ballers podcast: ‘I’ve got a big announcement today.

‘It’s not easy but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I’ve realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others.’

He also said on his Chelsea exit: ‘The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing.

The former Belgium Under-21s international pictured with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

The former Belgium Under-21s international pictured with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba

Musonda rubbed shoulders with Ronaldinho as he progressed with promise as a youngster

Musonda rubbed shoulders with Ronaldinho as he progressed with promise as a youngster

He only managed seven outings for Chelsea and had loan at Real Betis, Celtic, and Vitesse

He only managed seven outings for Chelsea and had loan at Real Betis, Celtic, and Vitesse

‘I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan.

‘Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves.

‘Feeling amazing, happy to be back – obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing.

‘The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn’t really see the first team.

‘Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager.

‘They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, ‘How are you feeling? How are things going?.

‘It was my first time meeting him. He said, ‘I’m looking forward to seeing you back and I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be back for pre-season.

‘Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I’d be back with the first team and we’d see from there.

Musonda celebrates after winning the UEFA Youth League with Izzy Brown (centre) and Tammy Abraham (right) in 2015, seven years before leaving the club permanently for Levante

Musonda celebrates after winning the UEFA Youth League with Izzy Brown (centre) and Tammy Abraham (right) in 2015, seven years before leaving the club permanently for Levante

The Belgian star had an alleged fallout with Cesc Fabregas after nutmegging him in training

The Belgian star had an alleged fallout with Cesc Fabregas after nutmegging him in training

‘So I came back for pre-season and that’s where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea.’

He also wrote on Instagram: ‘This is not goodbye, but a new beginning, one where hopefully I can help play a small part in making the world better for footballers. 

‘Thank you and see you soon with a football always.’ 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“Why Liverpool Could Break British Transfer Record for Alexander Isak Without PSR Concerns”

‘The Reds have got no money and we’re gonna win the league’…

West Ham Transfer Update: Harvey Elliott’s Potential Move Examined, Goalkeeper and Midfield Targets, and Reasons for Pursuing Callum Wilson

August last year was when the floodgates opened for West Ham’s spending,…

Aitana Bonmati and Jule Brand Star in Adidas Euro 2025 Leather Jacket Collaboration

In an unprecedented blend of football and fashion, adidas has teamed up…

WWE Stars Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Hulk Hogan After His Unexpected Passing at Age 71

WWE stars past and present paid their respects to Hulk Hogan on Friday…

Fewer than 10 Senior Players, No Manager, and Under Embargo: Morecambe Teeter on Disaster – Is Owner Jason Whittingham the Most Reviled Man in Sports?

The man from whom many sports fans would very much like an…

Neymar Engages in Intense Argument with Fan Following Santos’ Recent Loss

Neymar’s return to boyhood club Santos hasn’t exactly been the homecoming he,…

Mary Fowler Sparks Rumors of Trouble in Her Relationship with Nathan Cleary Through Revealing Photo Series

Mary Fowler has fuelled rumours that her relationship with Nathan Cleary might…

Liverpool’s Quest for Premier League Dominance: Rivals Intimidated by Their ‘Bullying’ Tactics, Plans to Turn a New Leaf with Alexander Isak, and the Potential to Invest Another £200 Million

Arne Slot made a promise and a statement. During the concluding press…

Kostas Tsimikas Unveils Heartfelt Tattoo Tribute to Teammate Diogo Jota

The tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in…

Bayern Munich renew interest in Luis Diaz following rejected £60m offer, sparking fresh negotiations with Liverpool… potentially funding a £150m move for Alexander Isak

Bayern Munich have reignited their interest in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and…

Leeds Secure First Pre-Season Victory in a Match with No Fan Attendance Following Man United Draw

Leeds United dispatched SC Verl by four goals to one in a…

Man United Players Depart for U.S. Pre-Season Tour, Including Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, While Some Squad Members Stay Behind Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s Debut Season

Man United players were all smiles as they jetted off to the…