Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard failed to shine in his first season at Real Madrid but is expected to deliver the goods after a big money move from Chelsea last summer.
Eden Hazard has reportedly left Real Madrid frustrated after he flew across the continent for international duty depsite nursing an ankle injury.
The former Chelsea star was part of Belgium’s squad for both their Nations League games, against Denmark and Iceland, ones which they won.
And while he did not feature in either, Los Blancos were left unhappy at Hazard’s decision to leave Madrid, according to Spanish publication AS.
The La Liga champions had wanted both Hazard and Thibaut Courtois to stay so that they could prepare for the new season.
Goalkeeper Courtois returned to the Spanish capital for pre-season last Friday before Belgium's Nations League campaign got underway, but Hazard did not heed the advice.
It is claimed that Belgium boss Roberto Martinez wanted his star player to be part of the squad for both games, even if he was not going to play.
With Hazard failing to shine since his big money move from Chelsea last summer, the playmaker still has a lot to live up to.
And he could do worse than to concentrate on his career in Spain, that has so far been blighted with minor injuries.
Real had their own rehabilitation programme that they expected Hazard to follow to get him in shape for the new season.
Zinedine Zidane is prepping his squad for their La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on September 20.
And he will be hoping to have Hazard firing on all cylinders if they are to defend their title.
The player admitted in July that his first campaign in Spain had been the worst season of his career.
He said: "There have been injuries, but I hope this is behind and that next year will be better."
"In reality it has not been such a terrible year because I have been able to come to this club and we have won the league in my first year."
"I can't ask for more. [But] on an individual level it has been the worst year of my career."
"It has been a little strange season with everything that has happened."