Hazard apologizes after upsetting Real Madrid fans

Posted May 06, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Real Madrid's Eden Hazard gestures after Chelsea's Mason Mount scored his side's second goal, during the Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London, Wednesday, May 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Associated Press

MADRID (AP) - Eden Hazard apologized to Real Madrid fans on Thursday after he was seen laughing and joking with Chelsea players following the team's elimination in the Champions League.

A video of the Madrid forward having fun with his former teammates after Madrid's loss on Wednesday attracted a lot of attention in Spain, upsetting fans who loudly complained against him on social media.

Hazard was one of the Madrid players who performed poorly in the 2-0 defeat in London.

'œI am sorry. I have read lots of opinions about me today and it was not my intention to offend the Real Madrid fans,'ť Hazard said in a statement on Instagram. 'œIt has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win. The season is not over and together we must now battle or La Liga! Hala Madrid!'ť

Hazard's stint with Madrid has been marred by injuries and he has yet to meet expectations after arriving from Chelsea in 2019.

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Real Madrid's Eden Hazard, challenges with Chelsea's Thiago Silva during the Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London, Wednesday, May 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Associated Press

Real Madrid's Eden Hazard, left, challenges for the ball with Chelsea's Jorginho during the Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London, Wednesday, May 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Associated Press

Real Madrid's Eden Hazard, right, is tackled by Chelsea's Andreas Chistensen during the Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Chelsea and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London, Wednesday, May 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Associated Press

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