Ancelotti Explains Why Hazard Didn’t Get Farewell Appearance at the Bernabeu

• Eden Hazard’s contract was terminated by Real Madrid
• The forward brought to an end a disastrous four-year spell at the Spanish Capital
• Hazard joins the long list of departing Real Madrid forwards, including Karim Benzema

Los Blancos wrapped up their 2022/23 La Liga season with a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Club as the outgoing Karim Benzema scored his final goal for the club.

However, with so much attention on Benzema’s goodbye, Hazard’s own departure was lost in the noise at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Marco Asensio was substituted on, and off, to give the home support a chance to say goodbye to the Spanish international, but Hazard and Mariano Diaz remained on the bench.

Both players are joining Benzema and Asensio in leaving on free transfers, in what promises to be a summer of changes in Madrid, and Ancelotti confirmed the duo did not ask to come on.

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“I can only make five changes. They did not ask to come on, but I want to say they have been serious and professional”, as per reports from Marca.

“They have behaved at the maximum level until the last day.”

Hazard’s future remains very uncertain, with Benzema tipped to make a move to Saudi Arabia in the coming days, and Asensio attracting attention from the Premier League.

Ancelotti plans for Hazard replacement

Carlo Ancelotti has outlined his plans to find replacements for outgoing forwards, Karim Benzema and Hazard.

The Spanish giants according to reports from SkySports want Tottenham star, Harry Kane, amongst other signings to replace their departing forwards at Real Madrid.

‌Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wants them to move for Kane while they are also eyeing a move for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz to replace Benzema.

‌Kane, who will turn 30 next month, has just a year left on his contract at Tottenham.

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‌Spurs chairman Daniel Levy does not want to sell and is reported will demand in excess of £100m to scare off potential interest.

‌Levy has been adamant that he will not sell to a Premier League rival and that looks set to thwart Manchester United’s interest this summer.

Real Madrid terminates Hazard's contract

Earlier Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid have terminated Hazard’s contract following a nightmare spell at the club.

Hazard was rated as one of the best wingers in the world at some point and was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2019 for a then-British transfer record of £142m from Chelsea.

Despite having a five-year initial contract with Los Blancos that runs through 2024, the former Chelsea playmaker has struggled with injuries and poor form.