Hazard: I’ll stay at Chelsea for life if Real don’t sign me
EDEN HAZARD is happy to remain at Chelsea for the rest of his career — if he does not manage to seal a move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea are expected to resume talks with Hazard over a five-year contract before Christmas, as they look to secure his long-term future.
Hazard’s deal expires in 2020 and the 27-year-old Belgian has revealed on more than one occasion he is dreaming of a move to Real.
However, the La Liga club’s desire to sign Hazard next summer is uncertain, with Paris St Germain duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe on their wishlist.
Hazard, who joined Chelsea from Lille for £32million in 2012, insists he will not look elsewhere should a move to the Bernabeu not come about.
He said: “I can finish with Chelsea, no problem. I am happy with this club, my family is happy here.
“So if I don’t go to Spain, it is not a problem. I love the fans — I think the fans love me! What happens in the future, I will be happy, so that’s it.”
It is understood Chelsea last sat down with Hazard for official negotiations over a new deal back in December.
He was offered £300,000 a week but it is believed Chelsea are prepared to pay more to convince him to stay.
As reported in August, Hazard is in no rush as he waits to see what Real’s plans are, as well as whether Chelsea can get back in the Champions League.
Earlier this month, the attacking midfielder suggested he would wait till
HE’S REAL-LY FLIRTING WITH MADRID
After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different. You know my preferred destination — July 14, 2018
After the World Cup I wanted to leave because my dream is to play in Spain. Then I spoke to the board and the manager and I said, ‘I can stay no problem’. — Sep 29
I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I am signing a new contract,’ and then in the end I don’t end up signing. Sometimes, I wake up and think I want to go. Sometimes I think I want to stay — Oct 8
the end of the campaign to make a decision. He went on to say: “Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don’t want to lie today. It is my dream since I was a kid.
“Sometimes in my head, I wake up in the morning and think I want to go. Sometimes I think I want to stay. It is a hard decision.”
Hazard has played a major role in Chelsea starting the season unbeaten, scoring seven goals in eight games to be the Premier League’s top scorer, but he believes that streak will be put under threat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
He added: “It is always hard to play against United. They have great players and also a great manager, so it will be tough.”