Eden Hazard: What Chelsea Legend Once Said About Jay Jay Okocha

• Eden Hazard once expressed his admiration for Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha
• The Chelsea legend said he regretted not playing alongside the former Nigerian international
• Hazard announced his retirement from football after being clubless since leaving Real Madrid

Former Chelsea forward, Eden Hazard once voiced his admiration for Nigerian legendary midfielder, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, and how he learned from the Super Eagles star while growing up.

The former Real Madrid forward is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and a legend of the game.

Hazard would be remembered mostly for his time with Ligue 1 side, LOSC Lille and the Blues in the Premier League, despite his dismal spell with the Spanish giants.

The 32-year-old was also part of those who supported the Austin Jay Jay Okocha Foundation in 2017.

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During a short interview section, Hazard shared his regrets about not playing alongside the Super Eagles legend at some point in his career, according to Own Goal Nigeria.

"I honestly would have loved to play with [Okocha], because he is not the type you want to play against. Maybe I wasn't so lucky to be born at a time which makes it impossible to play alongside him."

The former Belgian international also commented on Okocha's influence on him as a youngster:

"I learned a lot from him while he was at PSG: his stepovers and ability to take on opponents were kinds of stuff I practised as a little kid. I think not playing alongside him is one regret I have," he added.

Hazard announces retirement from football

Sports Brief previously reported on Hazard officially ending his football career, retiring at the young age of 32 following a challenging four-year spell in Spain with Real Madrid.

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The former Chelsea and Lille star, who had been without a club since leaving Los Blancos in the summer, made the announcement of his retirement on his official page on Instagram.

Hazard also thanked the various clubs he played for as well as the numerous managers who coached him and played a pivotal role in helping achieve his dream as a footballer.