2 Eden Hazard

This interview appears in the current edition of Sport magazine. Download the freeiPad app from the Apple Newsstand, and follow on twitter @sportmaguk

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard sat down with Sport for a quick chat that took in obscure Japanese cartoons, ping-pong and THAT ballboy incident. He also revealed his admiration for a former teammate which may just shock Arsenal fans…

What’s your favourite goal you’ve scored?

“When Lille won the league against Marseille: 30 metres, left foot – bam. One of the most important goals and one of the nicest ones.”

If you could be a professional in another sport, what would you choose?

“Basketball, but I’m too short [long pause].Ping-pong! Ping-pong, maybe…”

Not quite as glamorous as football?

“I’m a good ping-pong player, though.”

Which TV shows are you watching?

“I mainly watch French TV. But, between football and the kids, I don’t have time.”

Do you have any hidden talents?

[Switches to English] “I cook!”

What’s your favourite dish?

“I do almost everything, or I try to do everything. Whatever you want, I’ll make!”

What’s the most surreal moment of your career?

“The ballboy incident last year. It’s one of those things that, if I could go back, I would never have done it. That would be the most bizarre thing.”

Who’s the most talented player you’ve played with?

“Samuel Eto’o – he’s one of the best players in the world. Obviously here Frank Lampard, JT, with the respect they create and what they’ve gone through. And, in France, Gervinho – his skills with the ball are insane.”

If you could change one thing about football, what would it be?

“The offside rule [laughs] – so that I could be way more free and stand next to the goal. But apart from that, nothing.”

Who do you admire outside of football?

“My life is football. But, if I have to go away from football, Michael Jordan is a big inspiration.”

Favourite film?

“Untouchable. It’s a French movie – it’s a very emotional movie, very real movie about a handicapped man who seeks help from someone coming from the ghettos of France who doesn’t have a lot of money. So [they are] completely different personalities, but they have a great friendship.”

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

“The shot from Olive et Tom. [Sport makes a confused face]. It’s a Japanese cartoon.” [Hazard’s translator explains: “The star of the cartoon has the biggest kick you can imagine – it goes through the goals and everything.”]

What’s your most treasured possession?

“Nothing especially. I’m not superstitious. I don’t have anything that’s precious.”

Where’s your favourite travel destination?

“South of France – Corsica. It’s not far, great weather, great beaches.”

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve read about yourself?

“I can’t really recall – I’m sure there are some, but I can’t recall anything special.”

Favourite World Cup moment?

“When France won in 1998. I’m not French, but I was supporting France – I was a Zinedine Zidane fan.”