Hazard hints at Chelsea departure
Eden Hazard has announced he could be ready to leave Chelsea following his World Cup exploits with Belgium, according to newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN).
Hazard, 27, sealed Belgium’s 2-0 victory against England in the thirdplace play-off in St Petersburg by scoring a late goal after Thomas Meunier had given the Red Devils an early lead. The Chelsea forward then hinted at a possible move to Real Madrid, with whom he has been linked since the end of the season, saying: “After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different.
“Certainly after this World Cup I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want to let me go. You know my preferred destination.”
Hazard, who turned in a man-of-thematch display against Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, has been also been linked with Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona.
“They linked me to all clubs,” Hazard added.
“Next week is Bayern Munich. No, I laugh with it. You know my preference.”
Chelsea appointed Italian tactician Maurizio Sarri to replace Antonio Conte as head coach on Saturday and then promptly announced the signing of Italy midfielder Jorginho from Napoli.
Real are in the hunt for new Galacticos after selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus earlier this week.
FIFA has warned the Football Association about fan behaviour after “political chants” during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia.
FIFA’S disciplinary committee issued charges on Thursday and, having studied footage, determined a small minority of those in attendance at the Luzhniki Stadium were guilty of misconduct.
“The decision was taken after having analysed the respective evidence available and considered all the factors surrounding the infringement, including the fact that the incident was triggered by a very small group of fans,” said an official statement.
The FA has told England’s “incredible” supporters there will not be any opportunity to thank their World Cup stars when they return home.
England have one last night in Russia before flying into Birmingham, where airport security restrictions mean there will be no public access to the arrival.
nn