Exclusive: Fortune Bassey shares fond memories of supporting Chelsea and admiring Eden Hazard

• Fortune Bassey had a heart-to-heart chat with EaglesTracker
• The 25-year-old shares his love for Chelsea and Eden Hazard

Fortune Bassey has opened up about his childhood love for Chelsea, growing up as a young footballer in Benin City, Nigeria.

Ferencváros forward, Bassey gained significant attention in Nigeria during the 2022-2023 season. He played in five UEFA Champions League group-stage matches, including two against Barcelona.

A dedicated Chelsea fan, Bassey was heartbroken when the Blues lost to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final. He was so affected by the loss that he cried after the match.

Bassey began his career as a winger with Royal Force in Benin City before moving to Bohemians 1905 B following a successful trial.

Despite showing promise, Bohemians 1905 B did not offer him a first-team contract, leading him to move to several other clubs including Olympia Radotín, Ústí nad Labem, České Budějovice, Vlašim, Viktoria Plzeň, Degerfors, and Hapoel Petah Tikva before joining Ferencváros.

In an interview with EaglesTracker, Bassey expressed his deep admiration for Chelsea, saying, "Before when I was in Nigeria, I was supporting Chelsea, I love Chelsea so much.

"Even when we lost the UEFA Champions League final to Manchester United in 2008, I went home, I was crying so I love Chelsea so much because of Didier Drogba. They have a lot of stars. Even now I support them but not that much like you know (in the past)."

Bassey also praised former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

Hazard, a retired Belgium international, had a successful seven-year stint with Chelsea, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, and the FA Cup and League Cup once each. He was named Chelsea Player of the Year four times.

"I loved Eden Hazard when he was playing in Chelsea. At this time he was top. He was a really good player because I like the way he takes the ball, drags the players, creates some chances, go 1v1, so I like these kind of players," Bassey said.