Eden Hazard has offered hope to Chelsea in their efforts to keep him at Stamford Bridge by stating his happiness in London and declaring that a Champions League fight will not influence his future.
The Belgian playmaker continues to spark talk of interest from afar, with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain reported to be long-standing admirers of the talented 27-year-old.
Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League this season have intensified the exit talk, with the defending English champions struggling to secure a top-four finish.
Were they to miss out on a ticket to Europe’s elite club competition, then they could be left open to summer transfer raids for their most valuable assets.
Hazard would certainly fit into that category, but he claims to be settled in England and embracing a role as a fan favourite and popular member of the Blues squad.
Quizzed again on his future by SFR Sport in the wake of a vital 1-0 victory over Liverpool, the Belgium international said: “I hope [the fans] don’t want to see me leave.
“I’m doing good things here. I’m happy here.
“Things can move, or they may not move. We’ll see.
“The public adore me, I love my teammates, my family are good here.”
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Hazard added on an ongoing top-four battle which is set to go down to the final day of the season: “Of course I want to play in the Champions League, but it isn’t a priority.”
Chelsea currently have their star turn tied to a contract until 2020.
They had been hoping to agree an extension during the current campaign, but no deal has been done as yet.
Hazard has, however, hinted at regular intervals that is prepared to commit to fresh terms and extend a six-year association with the Blues.