"It is abnormal that people still remember me after all these years" - Eddy Merckx gets a special birthday present from Belgian king

Eddy Merckx was once again in his life granted the privilege of visiting the Belgian Royal Palace - something most mortals can only dream of. A week before Merckx's 80th anniversary, the man once referred to as 'the Cannibal' was welcomed by King Filip and even received a special birthday present.

"It is a great honour to be invited here for my 80th birthday. Who would have dared to hope for that?" was the proud Eddy Merckx's modest response to HLN after the visit. "I cherish that. It is abnormal that people still remember me after all these years. That makes me happy. It must be that I have meant something for cycling here, and for Belgium in general."

What did the two of most prominent figures in Belgium chat about? "About cycling today. Especially about the Belgians. Evenepoel made an impression at the Olympic Games. But it was also about family, friends, the grandchildren... It was very pleasant. The king knows something about cycling. He was also present at the Olympic Games. He is interested in the sports of all Belgians."

Merckx received a present for his eightieth birthday too. It was three photos which captured Merckx with the three Belgian kings he has met during his life. "The first was a photo of the Tour in 1971, with King Baudouin. And the second was with King Albert, when I received the honorary badge of baron. The third is a photo of the yellow jersey with King Philippe. Very special, with the three kings I had known."

Merckx is still recovering from a hip fracture, which he sustained some time ago after a fall from his bike. "It is getting better, but not yet as it should be. I hope I don't have to get a hip replacement, that would be a disaster," he concludes.