Carlo Ancelotti drops major Eden Hazard transfer hint amid Chelsea return rumours


Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he will not force any of his Real Madrid players to stay at the club should they want to depart.

Eden Hazard has recently been linked with a sensational return to Chelsea, just over two years after leaving Stamford Bridge to sign for Los Blancos for around £100million, but things have not gone too well for the Belgian since moving to Spain.

The 30-year-old winger has less than three years remaining on his contract in Madrid and with his form for the Spanish club, which has been strongly impacted by injuries, the La Liga giants are reportedly open to offloading him in the near future.

Now, Ancelotti, when asked about the future of his players in general, has somewhat opened the door for Hazard departing the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Never in my coaching career have I forced a player to stay when they want to leave,” Ancelotti said to Mundo Deportivo via Google Translate.

“In my personal opinion, there is no question about that. If a player wants to leave, he will leave. There is not much doubt about this.”

The Belgium international was linked with a return to the Premier League over the summer transfer window, but he swiftly rubbished the speculation, saying that he still has a lot to “prove” in Spain.



Eden Hazard continues to be linked with a shock return to Chelsea over two years after leaving Stamford Bridge
Eden Hazard continues to be linked with a shock return to Chelsea over two years after leaving Stamford Bridge

“Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid,” Hazard said, as quoted by The Athletic.

“Everyone knows that my first two years were not good, so first I want to prove myself at Real Madrid. Certainly, I do not see myself leaving Madrid given the situation of the contract.

“I know myself and I know when I am in shape. If that is the case, I can give everything for Real next season. That is my plan.”

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is playing alongside Hazard in Madrid at the moment, issued an update on his compatriot’s future over the summer.

Speaking to Le Soir, Courtois said: “I’m 100% sure he’s staying. He doesn’t want to move. Only the Madrid press writes about the desire to leave.

“He wants to continue, play free of injuries and win titles.

“At Real Madrid there is criticism all the time and for everyone. Gareth Bale was criticised, but he won the Champions League and scored a double in the final in Kiev.

“We all know that in Madrid there is pressure and criticism from the press and the fans. But Eden can handle that. I know him well enough to say it. He can still change everything.

“He still wants to be an important player for Madrid and win titles.”





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