Share

Hazard rules out January move to Real Madrid

London - Chelsea forward Eden Hazard appeared to dismiss the possibility of a January move to Real Madrid on Thursday despite casting fresh doubt over his future in recent days.

The 27-year-old was speaking at a press conference on national team duty with Belgium, broadcast on Sky Sports News.

It was put to Hazard that to win the Ballon d'Or - as the world's best player - he would have to play in Spain.

"That's why I want to go, maybe," said Hazard, smiling.

Asked if that move might happen in January, he added: "No."

Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea's unbeaten start under Maurizio Sarri, scoring eight goals in all competitions.

The Belgian was selected the second best player at the World Cup and, after leading his country to third place in Russia, said it "might be time" for a fresh challenge, with Madrid his preferred destination.

Speaking after Chelsea's 3-0 victory at Southampton on Sunday, he said: "Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don't want to lie today. It is my dream since I was a kid. I was dreaming about this club.

"We will see. I don't want to talk about this every day. I don't have time but we will talk about my future soon."

Hazard, whose Chelsea contract runs until June 2020, was asked on Thursday whether he is the world's best player on form and he answered with an unequivocal "yes."

"The team is helping me a lot also," he said. "I can improve for sure. We can always improve in football. We can score more goals, more assists."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1781 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE