I'm the Chelsea star who was sent off for kicking the ball boy – but here's why it was a blessing in disguise
Having met the ballboy he once kicked, Eden Hazard has now revealed why he has no regrets about the infamous moment.
He Chelsea The legend became front and back page news in 2013 when he punched Swansea's ball boy in the ribs. charlie morgan during a League Cup tie.
The Welsh team had a 2-0 lead from the first leg of the semi-final and were on their way to an eventual victory when Hazard was told to leave.
In an attempt to waste time, Morgan, now a multi-millionaire thanks to his vodka company, held on to the ball and when Hazard tried to kick it loose he was quickly shown the red card.
The moment brought a lot of negative attention to Hazard, except from home, where his wife was delighted.
Asked if it was a low point while appearing on the Obi One podcast, the Belgian said: “No. Not at all.
“After I got home, I said to myself, 'This guy is just talking about the ball and I tried to kick the ball and got a red card?'
“The funny story is, I couldn't say it, but my wife was pregnant and the baby was due that day, so getting the red card and losing three games was perfect.
“That's the reality, a perfect vacation, thanks guys! Now people are going to think I did it on purpose, but not at all.”
After the laughter subsided at Hazard's hilarious revelation, the former winger added: “It's a bit like when you play in the street, someone has the ball and you say 'hey! Give me the man with the ball.
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“I met him last week and we chatted in Madrid, it's a good story to tell.”
Hazard retired in the summer at the age of 32, and after six months away he went viral when he met Morgan the ball boy.
Morgan is now a successful businessman and his AU Vodka brand has reportedly earned him £40 million.
Brand ambassadors include Jake Paul and Floyd Mayweather Jr, but Hazard may have given them the best message by posting a photo of himself with Morgan and the caption: “The good thing about retirement is catching up with old friends. “You have come a long way in 11 years, my friend.”
