Chelsea transfer news: Eden Hazard happy to stay at Stamford Bridge unless Real Madrid make move - reports
The Blues look set to miss out on Champions League qualification unless the win the competition outright
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eden Hazard is reportedly happy to stay with Chelsea next season unless Real Madrid come in for the Belgium international.
The Blues look set to miss out on Champions League qualification unless they win the competition outright, currently being 2-1 down in their two-legged round-of-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the 25-year-old’s struggles at Stamford Bridge this term, Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has showered Hazard with praise in the media since replacing Rafael Benítez at the Santiago Bernabéu in January.
According to the Daily Telegraph, last season’s Player of the Year would only be prepared to leave Chelsea if Madrid are the suitors. Hazard scored as the Blues, managed by interim head coach Guus Hiddink, secured a 5-1 victory against an under strength Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.
“I have no doubts he'll be back,” Zidane is on record as saying. “After Messi and Ronaldo, Hazard is my favourite player. It is spectacular to see him play.
“Do I see him going to Real Madrid? I love the player, that's all I will say.”
Speaking following the City rout, Hiddink singled Hazard out for praise, saying the former Lille playmaker has recovered well from his early-season stutter in form.
“Eden Hazard came back very strong. That's what I like very much,” the Dutch manager said. “He has had setbacks in recent period caused by injuries and it's not easy to come back. He trained well. Bit by bit he got more minutes in the games and it's rewarded now by his assists and goal. That's good.
“Everyone was focusing on him. Of course we protect him, but we also ask him what he can do - and he did [show what he can do].”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments