Eden Hazard has ruled out a stunning return to Chelsea this summer and says he is determined to ‘prove himself’ at Real Madrid.
The Belgium international, 30, enjoyed seven successful seasons at Stamford Bridge before leaving to join Spanish giants Madrid in 2019.
Hazard won two Premier League titles, the Europa League and FA Cup at Chelsea, while establishing himself as one of the best players in Europe.
It has been a different story for Hazard at the Bernabeu, however, with his form and fitness taking a hit. In two seasons at the club, he has scored just five goals.
Hazard was part of the Madrid team that lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals last month – Thomas Tuchel’s Blues went on to beat Manchester City 1-0 in Saturday’s final and lift the trophy for the second time.
Following Real Madrid’s defeat, reports have claimed that Hazard is keen to return to Stamford Bridge to revive his career.
Responding to the transfer rumours, Hazard said on Monday: ‘I still have a three-year contract with Real Madrid, so going back to England is out of the question.
‘Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. I will do everything to do that.’
Hazard added: ‘I certainly don’t see myself leaving Madrid, given the contract situation.
‘I know myself and I know when I’m in shape. If that’s the case, I can give it my all for Real next season. That’s my plan.’
Following a difficult campaign, Hazard will hope to excel at this summer’s Euros, with Belgium one of the teams expected to go deep in the tournament.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Asked whether he is fit and ready for Euro 2020, Hazard said: ‘I’m fine, I train well and I can do it for another two weeks. I hope to be ready for the first match in Russia.
‘Practice matches will do me good, it’s always good to be here with the group. It will be a great tournament to prepare for. I hope everyone is fit, including me. It will do me good to play some games to start well.
‘I still have some pain in my thigh and I see what we are doing with the medical team and the manager.
‘I couldn’t play the last game with Real Madrid so I had a week off and now it’s time to see if I have to train alone first or no.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
