Walking a Tightrope
One could argue that Hazard was laying foundations for a possible January exit if things did not work out under Maurizio Sarri as any self-respecting professional would. Eden Hazard would have only been taking care of his personal career without disrupting the fantastic relationship he’s enjoyed with Chelsea thus far.
“I am very happy with this club, with the team, my family is happy here. I love the fans – I think the fans love me,” Eden Hazard said.
Be it as it may that Eden was only keeping all of his options open by refusing to commit to Chelsea and by casting admiring glances toward Real Madrid, there is not a single Chelsea fan who could claim Eden Hazard did not give his absolute best after a frustrating season under Antonio Conte.
The Belgium international has so far made eight Premier League appearances for the Blues, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists along the way. He is averaging 2.9 shots per game which is a tad above his overall 2017/18 average with a notably improved pass success percentage of 86.7% compared to last season’s 83.6%, according to Who Scored.
Maurizio Sarri’s free-flowing football style appears to fit Belgium perfectly. Eden Hazard is thriving in a roaming role he’s been assigned and is making the most of all the freedom he’s been given by the Italian boss. He’s been a crucial cog in Chelsea’s machine and was vital in Blues’ unbeaten start in all competitions.
Chelsea Getting Real with Real Madrid
Contrary to Chelsea’s impressive start to the season, Real Madrid have struggled to cope without Cristiano Ronaldo who joined Juventus this summer. Los Blancos have yet to score a single goal in their four matches ahead of the international break, whereas they lost three of those games.
Despite the struggle, former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon still found some time to deal with the Eden Hazard subject by claiming that Belgian is being held at Chelsea against his wish.
“There is no point having a player with you if he doesn’t want to be there. Slavery was abolished a long time ago,” he said in an interview with BeIN Sports.
Chelsea’s response to such claims is a reported new contract for Eden Hazard which would keep him at Stamford Bridge beyond 2020 which is the year his current deal expires in. The player has downplayed the Real Madrid rumours himself by claiming there is no problem with him not going to Spain, even claiming that he wouldn’t mind finishing his career in London.
“I can finish with Chelsea. What happens in the future, I will be happy, so that’s it,” Hazard told Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester United clash
The Blues will do whatever it takes to keep the Belgian and are said to be preparing a deal that could make him the highest-paid player in Blues history.
Would money be enough to put out the Spanish fire burning inside him though?
