Eden Hazard, former teammate of Vinícius Jr. at Real Madrid, expressed concern about the forward's future, referencing the numerous off-field incidents, including the alleged racist insults directed at him by Prestianni during the first leg of the Champions League playoff at the Luz. Regarding the provocative attitude many attribute to the Brazilian, he took the opportunity to offer advice. "Now, people talk more about what he does or suffers than about his actual contribution on the field. They forget what an exceptional player he is. For him, this must be a burden. It can't be easy to go into a game and think only about football," the former Belgian international, who shared the locker room with Vinícius for four years, stated to RTBF microphones. "He has so many things on his mind before a game that sometimes I think 'poor guy.' He knows he will suffer from this, that not much happens in terms of sanctions," he lamented, before admitting that this could lead to a drastic outcome: "I wouldn't be surprised if at 30 he said he was leaving, that he was quitting football because, in any case, nothing changes." Despite defending his friend, Hazard took the opportunity to give advice, considering the controversial way the striker celebrated against Benfica in the aforementioned contentious match. "As a friend, I would tell him: 'Be careful. Play how you want to play, but be careful. People are watching you, so play football, have fun, and make us — the true football fans — enjoy it. When you dance, dance in a way that people will like you. Ronaldinho also danced; I don't remember seeing all these stories,'" he advised.
Benfica Eden Hazard Real Madrid remains central to this story.
Benfica Eden Hazard Real Madrid remains central to this story.
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