Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is a bigger but not a better player than him.
The former Belgium international, who recently called time on his career following a disappointing spell with Real Madrid, says he holds the bragging right in terms of 'pure football.'
Speaking in an interview with French outlet L'Equipe, Hazard refused to rule out the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a top footballing icon. He said the Portuguese could actually be bigger than him but when it comes to 'pure football,' he is far above the footballing legend.
"Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don’t think so. Neymar, maybe. After that, he’s no better than me," he said.
As expected, Eden Hazard's latest submission can stir the pot among camps of rival fans on who is a finer footballer between the two. However, such a comparison would be weird at best with Cristiano Ronaldo's overdecorated and heroic career compared to Eden Hazard's. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to note, that Hazard pecked it down to what he called 'pure football.'
What is 'pure football?'
Eden Hazard's 'pure football' refers to a footballer's skills and adeptness with the ball. It is used by the Belgian to measure individual brilliance away from the decorations of laurels and trophies a footballer has won.
For context, Hazard is claiming he is better with the ball at his feet than Cristiano Ronaldo. This again will pass as another hot topic of discussion among fans. Hazard was down-to-earth and brilliant with his footwork. He was a great dribbler who could steal his way through the tightest of defenses. His magical footwork, touched with good attacking flair, was an envy of top stars in the sport. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is not a pushover in the legwork category. Ronaldo is a good dribbler as well and has shown off brilliant footwork with the ball.
Whether Eden Hazard is below, better, or at the same level as the Portuguese is only a subject of speculation. Watch their best legworks below.
The former Belgium international, who recently called time on his career following a disappointing spell with Real Madrid, says he holds the bragging right in terms of 'pure football.'
Speaking in an interview with French outlet L'Equipe, Hazard refused to rule out the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo as a top footballing icon. He said the Portuguese could actually be bigger than him but when it comes to 'pure football,' he is far above the footballing legend.
"Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, I honestly don’t think so. Neymar, maybe. After that, he’s no better than me," he said.
As expected, Eden Hazard's latest submission can stir the pot among camps of rival fans on who is a finer footballer between the two. However, such a comparison would be weird at best with Cristiano Ronaldo's overdecorated and heroic career compared to Eden Hazard's. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to note, that Hazard pecked it down to what he called 'pure football.'
What is 'pure football?'
Eden Hazard's 'pure football' refers to a footballer's skills and adeptness with the ball. It is used by the Belgian to measure individual brilliance away from the decorations of laurels and trophies a footballer has won.
For context, Hazard is claiming he is better with the ball at his feet than Cristiano Ronaldo. This again will pass as another hot topic of discussion among fans. Hazard was down-to-earth and brilliant with his footwork. He was a great dribbler who could steal his way through the tightest of defenses. His magical footwork, touched with good attacking flair, was an envy of top stars in the sport. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is not a pushover in the legwork category. Ronaldo is a good dribbler as well and has shown off brilliant footwork with the ball.
Whether Eden Hazard is below, better, or at the same level as the Portuguese is only a subject of speculation. Watch their best legworks below.