Eden Hazard signing with the Champions of Europe in 2012 was a defining moment in recent Chelsea history. The spiritual successor to uber-talents of the past like Gianfranco Zola, all Hazard's done since is win our hearts and minds and help us to several trophies in the process including a Premier League title and a Europa League trophy.
The first three years of Hazard's Chelsea career were dominated by discussions on whether he'll be able to make the final jump in his career progression and rise to the level of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. After proving himself as the undisputed best player in England, Hazard looked poised to do so this season, while leading Chelsea in our strong title defense. As we know, neither of those turned out as we had hoped.
"Last season, the whole season, we played like today. That’s why we were champions. This season was a little bit different."
-Eden Hazard; source: Chelsea TV
Juuuust a little bit. Just a little bit. A little bit.
Saturday's win over AFC Bournemouth was certainly a welcome one, and Hazard himself even scored. Twice! His first two goals in the Premier League this season in fact, as unbelievable as that may still seem. Eden was happy with his own performance as well as those of his teammates.
"It was a good performance today. The boys did very well and we scored four good goals so deserved to win today. It was good to be back on the pitch and to score and then score again. I didn't score in the Premier League before this season."
"I'm happy and I hope for the future I will be back. After two defeats we had to win again. We now have four games to play and to enjoy."
-Eden Hazard; source: Sky via Get West London
The discussions around Hazard had turned far more negative over the course of this season, with glowing exits hung on his supposedly uncommitted-to-the-Chelsea-cause neck with ever increasing speed. But it's not too late to rediscover the love.
"Finally I score! It was good, the reaction from the fans was great and the support from the boys was superb. A good day for me today!"
"From the start [the Chelsea fans were behind me]. Last season, they were fantastic; this season has been difficult for me, but they are always behind me, [which is] good. I appreciate that. We have a lot of stories to write together and we are ready for the future."
-Eden Hazard; source: Chelsea TV
With Hazard at our side, we are ready for the next chapter.
"We try to forget this season now; we're focused on the new season. Some players didn't play much this season but they are ready."
"I was injured and I'm ready for the future. Everybody is on the same wave. This is good. This is important. We are together and we are strong when we are together."
-Eden Hazard; source: Chelsea TV