Cyber Monday Deal: Up to 60% off InvestingProCLAIM SALE

Hiddink plays down speculation of transfer for Chelsea's Hazard

Published 25/04/2016, 12:03
© Reuters. AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea - Barclays Premier League

(Reuters) - Manager Guus Hiddink has dismissed speculation that Eden Hazard will leave Premier League champions Chelsea, insisting that the winger was content to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium international's 14 goals helped Chelsea become English champions for the fifth time last season, besides earning him England's Footballer of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year awards.

The goals have, however, dried up this season for Hazard, who scored his first league goals in Saturday's win over Bournemouth. The 25-year-old said in February that it would be "difficult to say no to (French side) Paris St Germain".

Hiddink told British media said Hazard was a "talented, high-quality player" who was suffering a frustratingly poor season because of injuries that have limited him to four goals in all competitions this year.

Hazard has been struggling with a hip ailment which forced him to sit out over a month of the campaign prior to Saturday's game against Bournemouth.

"When he is there fully fit physically and mentally, then he is one of the best. I noticed that I saw him moving more, very light, very fresh (on Saturday)," Hiddink said.

"He was playing free with no doubt in his mind and any frustrations, so this was a good sign for me."

Hiddink said Hazard had several more years to go on his contract and "what I know (is), he is very happy with everything in Chelsea and around Chelsea. He is very important and if he is fit as he is today, (it is) showing."

© Reuters. AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea - Barclays Premier League

Ninth-placed Chelsea will host title-chasing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on May 2.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.