Why retired superstar Eden Hazard rejected Manchester United and Man City for Chelsea

Eden Hazard has retired from football aged just 32.

The brilliant Belgian's career was ravaged by injury for its final four years after completing his dream move to Real Madrid. Hazard managed just 76 appearances and seven goals during his time at the Bernabeu as a long list of muscle and ankle injuries severely limited his availability.

But he will be best remembered for his sensational seven-year stint at Chelsea, during which he dazzled with his sublime skill and claimed two Premier League titles among his trophy haul as well as several individual accolades. Yet, his career could have been a whole lot different if he chose to join Manchester United or Manchester City instead.

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Hazard burst onto the scene at Lille and especially rose to prominence during the 2011/12 season, in which he helped fire the unlikely hopefuls to their first Ligue 1 title triumph since 1954. Countless teams were in the running to sign the exciting forward as the summer transfer window approached, with Sir Alex Ferguson even travelling to watch him in action a day before a United game.

"Of course [United interest me], this is a club that excites everyone," Hazard told La Voix du Nord at the time. "But for now my focus is on Lille. But yes, it is a pleasure to be watched by one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best."

However, the race would come to an end on May 28 with one of the most dramatic transfer announcements ever. Hazard took to Twitter to reveal he would be 'signing for the Champions League winner.' That meant Chelsea.

Speaking in 2019 to the Guardian, Hazard