Eden Hazard put in a superlative, some would say Golden Ball level performance for Belgium at the World Cup, and after the tournament was over he made public comments that hinted at an exit from Chelsea. Hazard’s suggesting the time was right for him to move on and find a new challenge, plus Cristiano Ronaldo’s leaving Real Madrid for Juventus made for a very strong and believable transfer narrative this summer.
Hazard has been linked to Madrid for many years, but this time the concept seemed much more likely than ever before.
As this long, protracted transfer saga played out however, the chances of Hazard joining the European champions dwindled and dwindled, until his new manager Maurizio Sarri ruled it out nine days ago.
Now Eden Hazard himself has confirmed that he’s staying put.
In an interview with RMC Sport he said the following:
“Everybody knows what I have said after the World Cup, but I’m happy here. A lot has been said. A lot of stupidity too, but at the moment I’m happy.
“I have two years left on my contract and we’ll see what happens. Leaving this year? I won’t go.”
The transfer market in England is closed. Clubs can still sell players, but not sign new ones anymore. It would be a bit strange that they would sell me now while they can’t sign a replacement.”
Hazard made these comments after his side’s 3-2 win over Arsenal in a London derby fixture yesterday. His comments there, basically, confirmed that a lot of the transfer rumors stories out there are total rubbish. He also validated the idea that his place at Stamford Bridge for the season was cemented on England deadline day.
There is a caveat to this however, as Hazard closed with comments that leave the door open for a future transfer window.
“We could see today that fans love me. I’m fine here. We’ll see what happens in a year or two,” the 27-year-old winger added.
Expect plenty of transfer rumors again next summer!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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