Eden Hazard to make return to Chelsea following retirement

Chelsea legend Eden Hazard will return to Stamford Bridge for this year's Soccer Aid charity match for UNICEF.

Hazard retired from professional football last year after his contract with Real Madrid expires, bringing down the curtain on a glittering career.

He is set to lace up his boots once again in the name of charity this summer, being selected to the World XI side to face England.

"My Chelsea family - I am coming home on Sunday 9th June!" Hazard said. "I can't wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. We won so many trophies together there. Some of the very best memories I have in football - seven brilliant years. I miss them.

"As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world. So, buy your tickets and let's have a great day together in June."

Hazard will be managed by current Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has been named as the World XI's coach for the second year running. England will be managed by Pochettino's Chelsea predecessor and Hazard's former teammate, Frank Lampard, as well as Harry Redknapp and Robbie Williams.

Pochettino said: "Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a huge event - and one I am delighted to be part of again. The 2023 match was a great experience to be a part of and that is why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, particularly as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the opposing dugout for England.

"We raised so much money last year, and I hope we can do the same this time, so please get involved and buy your tickets. A sold-out Stamford Bridge generates an incredible atmosphere and we want the players who are part of Soccer Aid 2024 to enjoy that same feeling when they step out on to the pitch on Sunday 9th June."

Lampard added: "Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special - for any player, on any occasion. I'm excited to be doing that again - this time with Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry will be a proud moment and great fun - but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together. So, please buy your tickets for Sunday 9th June and lend us your support."

• Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

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