Hazard: I wanted to wear No. 10 at Chelsea because Zidane was my role model

The attacker wanted to repay faith shown in him by the France legend after the Madrid man admitted that he would have signed him for the Spanish giants if he was given the chance

Sep 13, 2012 5:45:00 PM

By Michael Lightfoot

More On :  Chelsea, Eden Hazard

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New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard wanted the No. 10 shirt at Stamford Bridge so he could be just like his role model Zinedine Zidane.

The former Real Madrid and France international wore the shirt for his country and the Belgian wanted to pay the biggest compliment to the World Cup winner but failed in his bid as Juan Mata would not give it up, instead accepting the No. 17.

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Speaking to the media last year, Zidane, who is now an advisor at Real Madrid, said that he "would sign Hazard with [my] eyes closed".

The 21-year-old returned the compliment by admitting a fight for the shirt number because the French international was his role model.

He told Champions Matchday magazine: "I've always liked the No. 10, because it is was worn by Zidane. He was my role model, I've always wanted to play like him.

"When he started talking about me, I didn't understand what was happening any more. But he must have said that about other players, so I knew I had to keep on working."

The attacking midfielder won France's Young Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012, making him become the first footballer to win both awards since Zidane.