Close menu

Eden Hazard: 'I think it's a goodbye,' says Chelsea forward

Last updated on .From the section Chelseacomments122

Chelsea's Eden Hazard suggested he had played his last game for the club after his two goals helped the Blues beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Europa League final.

The Belgium forward has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and said he is now "waiting on both clubs".

"I think it's a goodbye but in football you never know," the 28-year-old told BT Sport after Wednesday's match.

But Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said: "I know he wants to leave and I have to respect his decision."

Sarri added: "He is a wonderful player. It took two or three months for me to understand him as a man and now I do, he's a wonderful man.

"He's an extraordinary player. He is a strange boy but when he understands it is extraordinary."

If the final in Baku was Hazard's final match, then it brings to an end a seven-year association with Chelsea, having joined them for £32m from Lille in 2012.

Hazard has made 352 appearances for the Blues and his two goals in the final moved his tally for the club to 110.

Discussing his future, he said: "We will decide in a few days - the only target in my mind was to win this final. Maybe now it is the time for a new challenge.

"My dream was to play in the Premier League and I have done that for one of the biggest clubs."

Hazard was named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year in 2014-15, scoring 14 league goals as Chelsea won the title. He then struck 16 league goals as they regained the title two seasons later.

Wednesday's Europa League victory was his second in Chelsea colours, as he also collected a winners' medal - despite not playing - in the 2013 final.

'Most skilful player Chelsea have had' - reaction

Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas on BT Sport: "When Hazard has the ball, you expect something to happen and the rest of the players come alive. I cannot say he will be the best player in the club's history, but he is the most talented player they have ever had."

Pat Nevin, former Chelsea and Scotland winger, on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Hazard is the most skilful player that's ever played for Chelsea, and that's saying something because look at the quality of players that they've had. He's astonishing.

"Former midfielder Frank Lampard may have had a better impact but for pure skill, Hazard is world class, and he had yet another 'worldie'."

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

122 comments

  • Comment posted by BlueGalway, at 09:23 30 May 2019

    How Pogba made the Premier League eleven instead of Hazard will go down as one of the most bizarrely unjust decisions by their peers.

  • Comment posted by inthroughtheoutdoor, at 08:53 30 May 2019

    Can't think of any single player past or present in the past 25 years at any club who will be missed more than Hazard will be missed at Chelsea.

    Good Luck Eden and thanks for last night.

    From a SPURS fan

  • Comment posted by groenemeyer, at 08:38 30 May 2019

    Talented player.
    Chelsea fans will miss him.
    Arsenal fans?
    For them this morning, Sarri seems to be the hardest word.

  • Comment posted by Murphy45, at 09:09 30 May 2019

    MC fan here, I just wanted to say that watching Hazard over the years has been an absolute pleasure as on his day he is literally unplayable so if he does move on it will be a huge loss to both Chelsea and the Premier league, simply majestic on his day and has to go down as one of the premier leagues outstanding players !

  • Comment posted by Dubbus, at 09:17 30 May 2019

    I wonder why Sarri thinks he is a strange boy

    To get over 100 million for a player with only 12 months left on his contract is good business and makes sense.

    What a player and deserves the move at this stage of his career

    Madrid are getting a top top player

  • Comment posted by redgringo, at 09:19 30 May 2019

    Always worth a watch. Be interesting to see how Chelsea cope without him, especiallly if they're not allowed to sign a replacement. Could be a tough year coming up. Only a fool would deny his class.

  • Comment posted by Geezer Lemon Squeezer, at 09:26 30 May 2019

    As a die hard 4th generation blues fan, I wish him all the best. It's been a pleasure to see him play for my club for 7 of what I believe has been his best years. He's been a joy to watch and untouchable on his day. Hopefully theres first option or a buy back if it doesn't work out at Madrid! But for now, thanks for the memories Eden! The PL will be a poorer place without you!

  • Comment posted by BlueIsTheColour, at 08:41 30 May 2019

    Chelsea were successful before Hazard, with Hazard and will be after Hazard. Thanks for the memories and titles Eden.

  • Comment posted by donishmattvinyl, at 08:47 30 May 2019

    He lit up Chelsea, and helped make them great. Maybe Chelsea will have to do it with their kids and match Man U in the 90s.

    Maybe not!!

  • Comment posted by SteveC, at 08:51 30 May 2019

    Thank you Eden for everything you brought to us. You will be greatly missed, but the team will continue to have success. COYB!

  • Comment posted by kopite1892, at 09:38 30 May 2019

    What a player been an absolute pleasure to watch glad he went out on a winning note for Chelsea before moving on he has put the knife into Liverpool a few times over the seasons but can't deny his class

  • Comment posted by ancelotti_s left eyebrow is sentient, at 09:06 30 May 2019

    Been brilliant for Chelsea and PL. Supremely gifted on the ball. Was my player of the tournament in the last WC, far better than players like the juvenile Neymar Embryo. His longing Real Madrid has been evident for a while, but he's always conducted himself in a mature, dignified manner, always respecting the club he plays for. Close to being the world's best player. I wish him well.

  • Comment posted by Wayne, at 10:11 30 May 2019

    Quality player, on his day unplayable.

    A loss to the league

  • Comment posted by Eddy, at 10:23 30 May 2019

    Love the guy and he has been a great servant for us. So lets take the silly money from Madrid and move on.

  • Comment posted by Jack, at 10:24 30 May 2019

    Great Player, humble bloke, I'll be sorry to see him go but he deserves his big money move, even if he is going to the hated General Franco FC.

  • Comment posted by Zooze, at 08:44 30 May 2019

    All the really tallented players have odd behaviors and views. Managers who accept and work around some of those attitude get the best out of the player when its needed most. Maybe Sarri realised this too late this season but got there in the end and it showed in the final.

  • Comment posted by It is only my opinion, at 09:17 30 May 2019

    I should be feeling joy this morning after winning the Europa, but in fact I feel sadness, most talented exciting player that I have seen over the last 50 years, who is now at his best.

  • Comment posted by Dave The Fish, at 10:08 30 May 2019

    Talk about pot and kettle, Sarri describes Hazard as a strange boy?

    The man who walks around with a cigarette filter in his mouth and leaves out his best players!

  • Comment posted by KEB, at 09:54 30 May 2019

    Well done Chelsea last night and good luck Hazard, I would have loved to have seen him play for Liverpool. I don’t think Spain will suit him.

  • Comment posted by HeelsandCo, at 12:26 30 May 2019

    @63. Why wouldn't you leave your current job for a better paid one in a nicer climate?

    One of the problems many fan have with players leaving, is they do not see this as a job of work. Show me anyone that wouldn't move work for a substantial pay rise.

Top Stories

Also in Sport