14 June 2023 , 23:58
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Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has torn into Eden Hazard for letting “his career die” in what appears to be a stern warning for Jude Bellingham.
The Spanish outfit confirmed the arrival of the England midfielder on Wednesday from Borussia Dortmund. They have paid an initial £88m for his services.
The move has made the former Birmingham City starlet one of the most expensive teenagers in world football. It is expected that he will now represent one part of a formidable midfield at the Santiago Bernabeu alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. Bellingham has put pen to paper on a six-year contract in Madrid but already has a warning ringing in his ears from new teammate Kroos.
Asked what he thinks of Bellingham’s arrival, the German was optimistic but is hopeful that he does not go in the same direction as Eden Hazard. Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, he said: “We had another player who came for a lot of money and basically let his career die. It was a lot of money, I think everyone would say that wasn't a good transfer. But let's be positive.”
Amid Bellingham’s arrival, Hazard is ironically on the way out of Real Madrid after a rotten time of things with the Spanish giants. He signed in the summer of 2019 in an intial £88m deal from Chelsea and has failed to live up to expectations.
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A combination of poor form and constant injury problems limited him to just 76 appearances in four years - the Belgian winger only managing to score seven goals in that time. The decision has since been made to end his stint at the club a year early.
Jude Bellingham's move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid has been made official (Getty Images)Will Jude Bellingham live up to expectations at Real Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below
A statement from Real confirmed his departure this summer. "Real Madrid CF and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will be released from the club as of June 30, 2023,” it read.
"Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons, in which he has won eight titles: one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two leagues, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
"Real Madrid wants to express its affection for Eden Hazard and wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage."
Hazard now faces a tough decision over his future with some reports suggesting that retirement could potentially be on the cards for the 32-year-old. Meanwhile, Bellingham will hope to have a productive summer ahead of his arrival in Madrid.
He is currently with the England squad as Gareth Southgate ’s men prepare to take on Malta and North Macedonia in Euro qualifiers over the next fortnight.