- Eden Hazard says former England star Joe Cole convinced him to sign for Chelsea in 2012
- Hazard and Cole were teammates at French Ligue 1 side Lille during the 2011/12 campaign
- The Belgium star has gone on to claim two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one Europa League with Chelsea
Eden Hazard has applauded former Chelsea star Joe Cole for his timely advice that saw him move to Stamford Bridge despite other suitors.
The Belgium playmaker Hazard completed a switch to west London in 2012 after a 5-year stint at French League 1 side Lille.
According to The Mirror report, the Belgian remains grateful that Cole convinced him to make the switch, while at Lille during the 2011/12 season.
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Incidentally, that was Hazard’s last season at the French topflight, but he left on the high as Lille ended the campaign with an UEFA Champions League spot after emerging third.
On the other hand, the Belgian netted 22 goals in 49 matches as Cole enjoyed 43 appearances.
In the course of the campaign, Hazard was repeatedly linked with top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
But Cole kept hammering the reasons why he should consider Chelsea over others.
"I spoke to him before I signed for Chelsea," Hazard was quoted as saying to Chelsea’s official website.
"Every day, seriously, he was telling me that Chelsea was the best club for me.
"He said Chelsea was a big club where you can win trophies every season.
"For that reason I signed, so thank you, Joe Cole!"
Interestingly, after two decades as a professional football star, the 37-year-old Cole has decided to call it quit with the round leather game.
And at the last count, Cole has given his all to the beautiful game after representing clubs like West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and US-based Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Cole also had the privilege to claim three Premier League silverware and two FA Cup winners’ medal.
"After 20 years as a professional, the time has come for me to hang up my boots.
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"716 professional games, 104 goals, for seven great clubs – West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille, Aston Villa, Coventry City and the Tampa Bay Rowdies – as well the honour of playing for England.
"It has been a dream come true. All of it,” Cole’s statement read in part.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously had reported that former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole announced he is finishing professional career.
He wrote the post at Instagram in which thanked ‘countless people have helped’ him through that path.
“My favourite thing about being a professional footballer was the feeling you enjoy after coming back into the dressing room after a win. It will be difficult to replicate that but I'll always remember all of my former team-mates who I shared that experience with.”
Cole also mentioned all the clubs he had honour to play, but pointed the most enjoyable period in his career was during he performed for Chelsea.
And with vast experience at the professional level Joe Cole would love to try his best to coach in future.
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Source: Legit.ng
