Fans Slam Eden Hazard After He Claimed He is Better Than Cristiano Ronaldo in Pure Football

• Hazard recently delved into the GOAT debate, pitting Messi and Ronaldo
• The former winger admitted that Ronaldo is a greater footballer than him
• However, he claimed that Ronaldo does not beat him in 'pure football'

Eden Hazard has sparked mixed reactions after he sensationally claimed that he is better than Cristiano Ronaldo in pure football.

Hazard recently announced his retirement from football after he was released by Real Madrid at the end of last season.

At the time, the former Chelsea winger disclosed that he could not continue as there comes a time when "you must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time."

While Hazard enjoyed a largely successful career at Stamford Bridge, the forward failed to replicate the same when he joined Real Madrid.

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According to AS, Hazard could only manage seven goals and 11 assists across his four-year disastrous spell with the La Liga giants.

Despite Hazard calling time on his career, the former Belgium international has been in the limelight.

Hazard says he is better than Ronaldo

Recently, he stirred controversy while weighing in on the never-ending debate on who is the football GOAT between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

While Hazard admitted that the two footie stars are great, he could not hide his bias for Messi.

He went on to sensationally claim that despite Ronaldo being a greater player than him, he is actually better than the Portuguese whe pure football.

"Cristiano is a greater player than me but, in terms of pure football, honestly, I don't think so," Centre Goals quoted Hazard saying.

Fans react to Hazard's claim

Hazard's claim sparked wild reactions from fans, with some laughing off the Belgian's claim.

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@Ronaldo_Nassr7 posted:

"Hazard did not even achieve 10% of what Ronaldo did."

@DanielO15271366 noted:

"Coming from a player who retired before 35. Loser!"

@freddyCR7LA claimed:

"Hazard is closer to Antony than he is to Ronaldo."

@Guardiola_Bhakt added:

"I am a Messi fan but Hazard you flopped at a club where Cristiano joined for a big fee scored many goals won many trophies and gave a resale value of 100 million to the club again leaving for Juventus. Cristiano Ronaldo is a better Footballer in every aspect than you."

@flemingracool concluded:

"Tbh Ronaldo Al Nassr career alone is bigger than Hazard while career."

Alexander-Arnold named Messi his toughest opponent

Sports Brief reported on Trent Alexander-Arnold naming Messi his toughest opponent, though fans were convinced he almost mentioned Hazard.

The Liverpool star stuttered “ha, ha…” before saying Messi, leading fans on social media to speculate he wanted to mention the former Lille man but changed his mind.