Advertisement
Eden Hazard (file pic). OLI SCARFF

Hazard rejected Chelsea contract for potential Real Madrid transfer, reveals father

The 26-year-old did not want to commit himself long-term to the Blues with a Blancos move looking like an option.

EDEN HAZARD REJECTED a contract extension at Chelsea, according to his father, who says his son is holding out for a Real Madrid transfer.

The Belgian forward, 26, was back to his best last season as Chelsea romped to the Premier League title, after a sub-par season before in which he struggled for goals.

He’s continued his impressive performances in 2017-18 and, although his contract runs until June 2020, rumours have continued to swirl regarding a potential transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Hazard’s father, Thierry, confirmed his son is playing a waiting game with his Chelsea contract in an effort to keep the door ajar to Zinedine Zidane’s side.

“What I can reveal about Eden is that he refused a contract extension,” he told Le Soir.

“This was so that, if necessary, he could follow the interest of the Real, whom he could see himself playing for.

“But, as of right now, there is no contact from Real Madrid. Eden is only one of the parties involved in his future.”

Hazard has been candid about his interest in playing for the reigning European champions in recent months, saying in November that “everyone knows the admiration I have for Real Madrid”.

The former Lille winger has scored eight times for Antonio Conte’s side this season, assisting a further eight times across all competitions.

Chelsea are third in the Premier League after 20 games, 16 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City but just one point behind second-placed Manchester United.

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

‘At Barcelona we had it with Messi and this team Manchester City have it with De Bruyne’>

18 months on from €34 million move, is Mkhitaryan set for Man United exit?>

Author
The 42
View 26 comments
Close
26 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel