Hazard wants ‘something different’

EDEN HAZARD admitted that he is considering leaving Chelsea this summer in order to pursue “something different” after six years at the Premier League club, fuelling speculation that a move to Real Madrid is on the horizon.

Hazard has frequently dropped hints that he is willing to reconsider his future, but admitted to reporters yesterday after Belgium's 2-0 victory over England in the World Cup thirdplace playoff that the final decision will be in Chelsea’s hands.

“After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different. Certainly after this World Cup," he said.

“I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want me to go. You know my preferred destination.”

Hazard’s potential destination could be Real Madrid after Cristaino Ronaldo joined Juventus for £88 million (RM484m), and the Spanish club are currently weighing up their options to replace the Portuguese forward, with interest in Hazard. The revelation will be of genuine concern for Chelsea given that they do not want to lose Hazard this summer.

After announcing the appointment of new manager Maurizio Sarri on Saturday – who replaces Antonio Conte on a three-year deal – the club also confirmed the signing of Brazilian-born Italy international Jorginho for a fee worth up to £57 million (RM313m), with both arriving from Italian side Napoli.

However, losing Hazard to Madrid would leave the side short on world class talent, particularly in attack.

“We knew already for a while that Sarri was going to become the new manager,” Hazard said.

“Dries Mertens has told me he’s a good coach. We’ll have to work hard. The Italian way, but we were used to that with Antonio too."

In an interview earlier in the summer, Hazard revealed that he could be tempted to move to the winners of the last three Champions League finals in order to play European football, with Chelsea not in the competition after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

“Unfortunately, there’s no Champions League this year, of course, we always want to play in that competition. I just want to play the games. We’ll see what happens,” he added.

He also added that it is a player’s “dream” to play at Real Madrid, but insisted that he would be happy if he remained at Chelsea. – The Independent