When Eden Hazard joined Chelsea back in 2012, it’s fair to say that the Blues bagged a real coup. The Belgian was undeniably one of Europe’s most in-demand players, and Chelsea were able to win the race.
Their win in the Champions League the year prior, in addition to financial motivations, were likely key to Hazard’s decision, but it appears as though someone else had a hand in the move, too.
As per the official Chelsea Twitter, Eden Hazard has noted the influence that former Chelsea man Joe Cole had on his move, noting that he identified the Stamford Bridge outfit as the ideal next club for Hazard when they were both at Lille.
.@hazardeden10: 'I spoke to him before I signed for Chelsea. Every day, seriously, he was telling me that Chelsea was the best club for me. He said Chelsea was a big club where you can win trophies every season. For that reason I signed, so thank you, Joe Cole!' pic.twitter.com/gKV0yN40Ma
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 13, 2018
Of course, Cole was a pretty handy player at Chelsea, but it appears as though his impact on the Blues extended far beyond his time in blue.
Unsurprisingly, these comments have gone down pretty well amongst Chelsea fans, with supporters showing lots of praise to both Hazard and Cole, the latter of which has recently retired.
Take a look at what they’ve had to say below…
We owe Joe Cole so much. What a man.
— Goals Side (@goalsside) November 13, 2018
Agent Cole
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) November 13, 2018
We thank Joe Cole too!
— Sarriball Era (@SarriballEra) November 13, 2018
Hail the England Hazard!!! Back then…what a wonderful time we had with him. Joe Cole 10.
— Kool King (@her_your) November 13, 2018
Top Top Player…
Evidently, a Top Top Scout as well #JoeCole #CFC #Chelsea #ChelseaFC— Chelsea FC Hub (@CFCLondonIsBlue) November 13, 2018
the player’s that I like in Chelasea, Joe Cole and now @hazardeden10
— akuluki (@lukisaepul) November 13, 2018
Wow, great to know. A great player convincing another great player currently with us to join us. Even with him not affiliated with the club, he still keep up helping us achieve greatness. #CFC
— Owólabí Ọlálékan Gabriel (@Olalekan_Owo) November 13, 2018
What a man
— mwitangoto (@mwitangoto2) November 13, 2018
Top man helped us get the Golden man. So thank you both of you gentlemen.
— irfan (@trueirfanhuda) November 13, 2018
Thoughts?
