It was a long dream come true for former Chelsea game-maker, Eden Hazard, on Thursday as he was finally unveiled in Spain as the new poster boy for Real Madrid.
The crowd that received him at the Santiago Stadium were mad with ecstasy but they might not know that he too has always wanted Madrid as much as they do him.
Based on his revelation amidst the roaring cheers, it is as if he had always played in the wilderness, with his arrival in Madrid symbolizing his berthing at not just Canaan, but also the legendary Eden he shares name with.
He confessed in an interview: “I’m really looking forward to playing for Real and winning lots of titles. It was my dream since I was a child to play for Real Madrid and I just want to enjoy this moment,” he said, accompanied by family members.”
Reuters/NAN reports that Real Madrid presented Eden Hazard as their new “galactico” signing on Thursday with an army of adoring fans queuing outside the Santiago Bernabeu stadium to welcome the Belgian play maker.
Donning the white strip of the 13-times European champions, the club’s joint-record signing kicked balls into the crowd and posed for photographers on the pitch at the official presentation.
Hazard, who joins from Chelsea on a five-year deal, had earlier undergone a medical.
Pointing to the badge on his shirt, the 28-year-old kissed it to leave the 50,000 strong crowd in no doubt about his allegiance.
“Hola todos,” were his first words at the start of the presentation, broadcast around the world, before continuing in French.
Video images showed him signing the contract with Real President Florentino Perez, and his shirt being made up.
“Eden, now you are where you wanted to be. Today one of the great dreams of your life comes true,” Perez told him in his introductory speech.
“You are a Real Madrid player and are part of this club to defend the shirt. The Bernabeu is your home. Here you will feel the passion and emotion of those who want to enjoy your talent and creativity.
“The fans will be with you in every match…they know your football is special. Welcome to Real Madrid, welcome to your home.”
Real signed Hazard from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros (£89 million), plus add-ons.
Coach Zinedine Zidane is a long-time admirer of the Belgian, who he named as a “star of the future” in 2010 when Hazard was playing for Lille.
Hazard is Real’s third major signing as they bid to rebuild their squad after an embarrassing campaign on all fronts in which they ended up without a trophy, sacked two coaches and finished 19 points adrift of La Liga champions Barcelona.
