Cape Town - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes it's important for the club to hold onto playmaker Eden Hazard if they intend to compete with the best.
Hazard scored both goals on Wednesday night as the Blues beat Manchester City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, and his Belgium international team-mate is keen to see him stay.
The speculation linking Hazard with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season has increased recently, but Courtois insists his compatriot is happy in west London.
"Eden is one of the best players in the world," Courtois told the London Evening Standard. "Chelsea have ambitions to win the Champions League again and always look to play for the title.
"If you want to do that, you need the biggest players - and he is obviously a big part of that."
The gloveman added: "Eden is not affected by it. They are just rumours. He is calm. He knows that he is important to Chelsea, like I do.
"We are both very happy to be here. This was my 100th game for Chelsea, and I hope for many more."