“Chelsea have never called me”- 31-year-old Real Madrid star dismisses summer links with the Blues

Eden Hazard dismisses the possibility of returning to Chelsea in the summer

Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Mirror), Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has dismissed the possibility of returning to Chelsea in the summer at the end of this season.

The Belgium international, who is leading his national side in the World Cup, has had a disappointing time in Madrid since leaving Chelsea in 2019 summer.

But, the former Blues superstar is puzzled at the fact that there are always rumours about him returning to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Here’s what the 31-year-old said regarding his future (h/t Mirror):

“In January it is impossible [leaving the club], because I have family and I like the city. But in summer it is possible that I go. I have one more year on my contract and it’s the club’s decision.

“If the club tells me ‘Eden, thanks for four years, but you have to go’, I have to accept it because it’s normal. But I would like to play more, show more that I can play, that I am a good player.

“Chelsea? I was never close to returning or to leave Real Madrid in general. Chelsea have never called me. Why there are always Chelsea links? No idea, honestly.”

Hazard was a superstar at Chelsea, playing key roles in the Blues lifting Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017. He was probably the best forward in the Premier League during his time in west London.

If we look back at his Chelsea career, the 31-year-old scored 110 goals and assisted 92 in 352 appearances in all competitions. Apart from the two league titles, he won the Europa League twice and both domestic cups once. He was the player of the year at the end of the 2014/15 season.

Since his move to Madrid, the Belgian has had a tough time with injuries and a lack of consistent game time and rhythm. In three-and-a-half seasons with the Los Blancos, he has made only 72 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting 11.

There is no doubt that Chelsea fans still love him to bits. But, he is right about asking questions as to why there are links to him returning to Stamford Bridge. After seven good years with the Blues, it probably was the right time to leave three years ago.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea and Arsenal join the race to sign Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho
• Brentford striker Ivan Toney among four attackers on Chelsea transfer wishlist
• Chelsea coach Graham Potter is not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo

He is obviously not the same player anymore, and the club needs better options to strengthen their wobbly forward line in the coming transfer windows.