Courtois: “Hazard will stay at Real Madrid, I’m 100% sure”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois talked about his teammate and friend Eden Hazard during an interview with Belgian media. Courtois acknowledges that Hazard hasn’t been good during his first two seasons with Madrid but is confident that he can turn things around.

“He will stay at Real Madrid, I’m 100% sure. He doesn’t want to leave and only Spanish media talk about his alleged desire to leave,” said Courtois.

The goalkeeper went on and discussed the pressure and criticism every Real Madrid player faces.

“He wants to stay, play without injuries and win titles. In Real Madrid there’s criticism every time and for everyone. Bale was criticized but he won the Champions League and scored a double in the Final in Kyiv. He also scored in Lisbon. We all know that there’s pressure and criticism from fans and the media, but Eden can handle that. I know him well enough to stay that. He can still change it all,” explained the keeper.

Hazard suffered many injuries during his first two seasons in the Spanish capital and Courtois revealed that the winger worked hard in the gym to improve his condition.

“It was a shame to see him with those many injuries. I’ve known him for a long time and we talked often about playing together in Real Madrid. He worked hard on the gym and improved his form, now he’s physically stronger than he’s ever been. I see him in great form during the training sessions. If he can play a little against Croatia and then be a relevant player in the Euro, it will be great for our national team but also for him and Real Madrid going forward,” concluded Courtois.

Hazard will be Belgium’s offensive leader alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in this upcoming Euro, where he will be hoping to gain some confidence and momentum in order to be a better player for Madrid next season.