Eden best in Europe says Chelsea boss

MAURIZIO Sarri lauded Eden Hazard as Europe’s best as the forward’s long-term future at Chelsea remains shrouded in doubt.

Hazard this week admitted to having made a decision on his future, with his Chelsea contract expiring in June 2020 and amid repeated links with a £100m summer move to Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash at City, Chelsea head coach Sarri was asked if he was aware of Hazard’s choice.

“I speak every day with Eden, but I speak with Eden about his position on the pitch,” said Sarri, who has previously admitted he does not expect Hazard’s final decision to be known until the summer. “I will be really very happy with him if he will want to stay, because in my opinion he’s the best in Europe. But it’s up to him, I think. I want to see him happy. And so, he has to decide.”

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus clearly have more pedigree than Hazard, but Sarri may have been talking about the Belgian in the context of his position on the left wing.

Hazard was deployed as a ‘false nine’ in December when Chelsea beat City 2-0, ending a 21-game unbeaten league run for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Chelsea now have Gonzalo Higuain, on loan from Juventus, to play as the attacking focal point.

“He’s a great player and I think he’s very useful for Eden,” Sarri added.

Sarri insisted his side are not in the title race, contrary to a suggestion from City counterpart Guardiola.