Champions League winner hails Hazard and Costa after Stamford Bridge return

Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Eden Hazard and Diego Costa after their emotional returns to West London in the legends game against Liverpool.

The charity fixture, organised in support of the Chelsea Foundation, saw some of the club’s most iconic figures reunite in SW6 for a day of nostalgia, entertainment, and celebration of Chelsea’s rich history, even as the Blues slipped to a narrow 1–0 defeat.

Speaking after the game, Di Matteo, who famously led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012, said the event was about far more than the result.

He said, “At the end of the day, when the players go on the pitch they are competitive, so it was great to see that. They put effort in and it got a little bit fiery as well because they want to win.

He continued, “We’re disappointed with the goal at the end, but the main aspect of the game was to get all the players on the pitch. I want to say a huge thank you to all the players that come so far to join us in this charity game.

“They’re going to have a big impact on the lives of many people who will benefit from the money raised yesterday. A huge congratulations to Liverpool, too. They came here and put on a good team, and I want to thank all the supporters who turned up, it was a great atmosphere.”

One of the day’s most animated performers was Diego Costa, who wasted no time rekindling his on-field rivalry with Martin Škrtel, earning an early booking in true Costa fashion.

Di Matteo couldn’t hide his admiration for the fiery forward.

He said, “I love it, I love him. He is a fantastic personality. You need fiery players like that. In my Chelsea team as a player, we used to have Dennis Wise, who would rattle the opposition a little bit. So I understand why managers loved having Diego in their team!”

Saturday also marked Eden Hazard’s first appearance at Stamford Bridge since retiring from professional football.

The Belgian received thunderous applause from the home crowd, reminding everyone why he remains one of the club’s most beloved players.

“He was obviously a special player. From the first minute that he wore the Chelsea shirt, I think everybody fell in love with him,” he said.

Hazard and Costa, both key figures in Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning teams, combined once again to delight fans, rekindling memories of the club’s golden years under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.