Eden Hazard has admitted he put on weight this summer – but managed to lose it all in just ten days.
The Belgian, 29, left Chelsea to complete his mega money move to Real Madrid ahead of the new season before going on holiday.
And he revealed his weight is known to fluctuate when he takes his eye off it.
In an interview with AS, he said: “It is true. I will not hide it. When I am on vacation, I am on vacation.
“I gained five kilos in summer. I am one of those who gain weight quickly and lose it fast if I pay attention.
“When I was 18, in Lille, I weighed 72 (11st 4lbs) /73 kilos . Then, when I gained muscle mass, I went to 75 – On a bad day, 77.
“This summer I reached 80 kilos (12st, 8lbs). I lost everything in ten days.”
Hazard has made something of a slow start at the Bernabeu, scoring one goal so far.
However, it should be noted he’s made 13 appearances this season as he is currently nursing an ankle injury.
He was called out by former Arsenal Arsene Wenger, who suggested his weight was the reason behind Hazard not being at his best.
“He is not the type of guy to be [overawed at Madrid] but I don’t know him well enough to assess that,” Wenger said.
“I think [his slow start] was more down to physical reasons. He became too heavy.”
Hazard did not need a lot of persuading to join Real, especially after speaking to his idol Zinedine Zidane in 2016.
He revealed how he was approached by the Real boss while on European Championships duty.
Hazard added: “I didn’t talk much with him. The first time was in the 2016 European Championship in France. He called me.
“He said: ‘It would be good if you came.’ When Zidane calls you, it’s serious!
“Frankly, it does something. He has this power over me. It didn’t leave my head for the whole tournament.”
