Soccer Aid: Chelsea icon joins Mauricio Pochettino for emotional Stamford Bridge return

Mauricio Pochettino will manage the World XI at Soccer Aid this summer with Eden Hazard making his return to Stamford Bridge.

The annual event will be held in west London with one of Chelsea’s modern greats returning to the stadium he lit up on numerous occasions. Hazard played for the Blues from 2012 until 2019 with the Belgian claiming numerous honours and the PFA Player of the Year award before leaving for Real Madrid.

Hazard certainly enjoyed his peak years whilst at Chelsea, struggling to replicate those levels in Spain. The playmaker enjoyed numerous highlight reel moments whilst he operated in the Premier League and has spoken emotionally about his return.

Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on Sunday 9th June! 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”.

Pochettino will manage the Belgian playmaker as he goes from the home dugout to the away one. The Argentine is in the midst of his first year as Blues boss, albeit he’s struggling for results and copping flack from the fans. Pochettino helped the World XI win Soccer Aid 12 months ago.

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In the opposite dugout Frank Lampard will be helping take charge of England alongside Harry Redknapp. The ex-Blue is one of the club’s greatest ever players and leading goalscorer. He’s also led Chelsea twice as manager – initially for 18 months and then again last term for an interim period.

Eden Hazard excelled when he was at Chelsea

Lampard said on the event: “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”.

Bobby Brazier, Sam Thompson, Erin Doherty, Stuart Broad and Gladiator’s Diamond will be among those making their debuts in the charity match, which raised a record-breaking £14.6million.

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