Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hazard is not Sarri he stayed
ROBERTO MARTINEZ has claimed the arrival of Maurizio Sarri has given Eden Hazard a fresh challenge at Chelsea.
After the World Cup, the Belgium playmaker said: “It might be time to discover something different”, as he sought a move to Real Madrid.
But the departure of Zinedine Zidane from the Bernabeu and Chelsea’s determination to hold on to their star player saw Hazard, 27, stay at
Stamford Bridge.
Belgium boss Martinez admitted the futures of Simon Mignolet and Nacer Chadli were “worrying” before their friendly with Scotland next Friday. But he insisted he was happy with Hazard’s fate – and his performances back in blue.
The former Wigan and Everton manager said: “It is not bad news he has stayed in England. When Real want to sign you, you can tell yourself, ‘This is the chance of a lifetime’, but Eden did not see it that way.
“Chelsea had Sarri come in and I understand the club did not want to lose its best player. It is logical he is a wanted man. Eden is a good lad. He accepted the position and will perform this season.
“I was happy to see him back on the pitch against Arsenal and he was involved in the big moments in the match.
“He said staying is not bad. But the most important thing is what he shows on the field. I saw Chelsea’s third goal against Arsenal and I knew enough.
“After such a World Cup, it was certainly a good time for Eden to take up a new challenge. Sarri’s arrival is good for Eden. He is ready for the new challenge and the new manager.”