Roberto Martinez “very happy” Romelu Lukaku left Chelsea for Inter, unconcerned by Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid situation

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez says he’s “very happy” that Romelu Lukaku left Chelsea to return to Inter Milan, and isn’t worried about Eden Hazard’s expected lack of playing time at Real Madrid.

Lukaku and Hazard, two of the nation’s biggest names, both endured difficult seasons at club level last year, struggling at Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.

Lukaku has since returned to Inter Milan, and Martinez is pleased that he’s done so, feeling that the Italian club is better for his happiness.

“I was very happy for him,” he told Sporza.

“His smile returned, as did the will to pop again in Italy. Look, Romelu is a footballer who carries his human side with him. He has to be happy to perform and in England that was simply no longer the case.

“Now he’s ready for a big, new challenge.”

Hazard though has remained at Real Madrid and is widely expected to spend most of the season on the bench after not coming on in the European Super Cup.

Martinez isn’t worried by that though, saying the winger’s mindset is more important than the playing time he gets.

“Eden underwent a very interesting change in his mindset,” he said.

“He has a goal again and feels fit. Eden can trust and push his body again. That is perhaps even more important than the number of minutes he will make at Real.

“I see happiness in Eden again.”

GBeNeFN

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