Hazard commits future to Blues

London - Belgian international midfielder Eden Hazard has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea, the Premier League leaders have confirmed on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille in June 2012 and has since made a total 147 appearances, scoring 43 goals, for the Londoners.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea," Hazard told the club's website.

"Since I came here in 2012 I have always felt good and the club has been very supportive to me."

Hazard has scored 13 goals in 36 appearances so far this season, helping Chelsea take a seven-point lead at the top of the table, while also reaching the League Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.

"The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my team-mates," Hazard explained.

"I always try to give pleasure to the supporters with my style of play and it is nice to know they appreciate my work.

"I hope we can repay that support by winning lots of trophies, beginning with the Capital One Cup at Wembley, and after that, we can push hard towards the end of the season."

Hazard was named PFA Young Player of the Year and Chelsea's Player of the Year at the end of last season, having finished with 17 goals in all competitions.

Manager Jose Mourinho said: "I am very happy that Eden has signed a new contract.

"It shows he believes in the club's coaching staff and players to help him become the best player in the world.

"He is already a top player and his evolution has been fantastic. He is still very young and he can become the best."

The Belgian won the Europa League in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge and also helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil last summer.