Hazard snubs PSG link and reiterates Chelsea desire

Eden Hazard has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Paris St Germain, insisting he fully intends to remain with current club Chelsea.

The Belgium international was one of the most wanted men in Europe when he joined the Blues in the summer of 2012, for a fee in the region of £32million. Hazard has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the world during his time in England, and has been voted in the PFA Team of the Year in both of his seasons, the latter of which he was named PFA Young Player of the Year.

Although the 23-year-old remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2016-17 season, he has been linked with a return to France where Paris St Germain are known to be admirers. However, the former Lille forward has dismissed the speculation of a possible return to Ligue 1, insisting he has no immediate plans to quit the English capital and Jose Mourinho’s side.

“Paris St Germain are in the same world than Chelsea,” Hazard, who is expected to be offered a new deal worth around £200,000-per-week to extend his stay in London, told Canal+ of the rumours. ”But, to be a top club they need to win the [UEFA] Champions League. I’m fine with Chelsea and this is where I want to continue to grow. Paris St Germain are not in my head.”

Chelsea maintained their solid start to the season with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, which keeps them on top of the Premier League table having secured five wins and one draw from their opening six matches. Hazard, though, was far from his sparkling best against the Midlands club, but this is no concern to Mourinho who is happy to consider the quiet display as a one-off.

“Yes, I agree,” the Portuguese coach replied when asked if his number 10 was below-par. “I don’t know what he needs, but I know he need to play more [better]. He started the season well. Eden played good matches with us. I think it’s more an isolated not good performance than a period. No dramas and (I am) not too much worried about it, but (Saturday) was not his day, was not his performance.”

Hazard has in the past revealed his desire to become the best player in the world; is this something he can achieve whilst at Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts by joining the discussion below.

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