Hazard jokes red card for kicking ball boy was actually a blessing in disguise

The Chelsea legend became front and back page news in 2013 when he gave a jab to the ribs of Swansea ball boy Charlie Morgan during a League Cup tie.

The Welsh side were 2-0 up from the first leg of their semi-final, and well on course to seeing out an eventual victory when Hazard received his marching orders.

In an attempt to waste time, Morgan, who is now a multi-millionaire thanks to his vodka company, clinged onto the ball and when Hazard attempted to release it with a kick, he was quickly given a red card.

The moment put plenty of negative attention on Hazard, except from back home where his wife was delighted.

Asked if it was a low point while appearing on the Obi One Podcast, the Belgian said: "No. No, not at all.

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"After I came back home, I said to myself 'this guy is just saying on the ball and I tried to kick the ball and I get a red card?!'

"The funny story is that I couldn't say it but my wife was pregnant and the baby was coming that day, so me getting the red card and three games out was perfect.

"That's the reality, perfect holiday, thank you guys! Now people are going to think I did it on purpose but not at all."

After laughter subsided at Hazard's hilarious revelation, the former winger added: "It's a bit like when you play on the street, someone is on the ball and you're like 'hey! Give me the ball man.

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"I met him last week and we had a chat in Madrid, it's a good story to tell."

Hazard retired in the summer at the age of 32, and after six months out of the limelight he went viral by meeting Morgan the ball boy.

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Morgan is now a successful entrepreneur, with his AU Vodka brand reportedly pocketing him £40million.

Brand ambassadors include Jake Paul and Floyd Mayweather Jr, but Hazard may have given them the best plug at all by posting a picture of himself with Morgan and the caption: "A nice thing about retirement is catching up with old friends. You have come a long way in 11 years my friend."