Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said that Eden Hazard "let his career die" at Bernabeu, with the attacker being released from his contract at Bernabeu this summer.
The 32-year-old made a high-profile move to Los Blancos in the summer of 2019 off the back of scoring 110 goals and registering 92 assists in 352 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
Hazard has found it difficult to make his mark for Real Madrid, though, only managing seven goals and 12 assists in 76 outings for the Spanish giants during a disappointing spell.
The Belgian only featured on 10 occasions during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing one goal and two assists, and his contract with Carlo Ancelotti's side has now been terminated, with the two parties reaching an agreement to end a deal which had been due to run until next summer.
While discussing Jude Bellingham's big-money move to the club from Borussia Dortmund, Kroos criticised Hazard's time in the Spanish capital.
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"We had another player (Hazard) who came for a lot of money and basically let his career die," Kroos said on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen.
"It was a lot of money, I think everyone would say that wasn't a good transfer. But let's be positive."
Kroos also branded Bellingham "a top player", with the two midfielders set to play alongside each other in the Spanish capital next season.
"He is a top player that many teams wanted because of the mix between quality and age that he meets. If Real Madrid paid so much, I hope it will be a very good signing for us. If he does as well as at Dortmund, he can be said to be a good addition," added the German.
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Kroos's existing deal with Real Madrid is due to expire at the end of June, and there has not yet been an announcement regarding an extension.
However, the 33-year-old is widely expected to pen a deal until June 2024, having again been an important player for the capital giants during the 2022-23 campaign.
Real Madrid are well-stocked in central midfield, with Luka Modric also expected to pen a contract until next June, while Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are also options in that area of the field.
Valverde has recently been linked with a move away from Real Madrid, with Liverpool said to have had an offer turned down for the Uruguay international.
Bellingham had been of interest to the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea before it was announced that Real Madrid had won the race for his signature.
Matt Law
